The Mountain Poems of Stonehouse

Red Pine is really a good translator and commentator on the poems of Stonehouse. His depth of knowledge of the Chinese language, culture (past and present), and Buddhism helps me, a western reader (and Buddhist), understand and appreciate the poems. I lived in China for several years but his depth of understanding helps unlock details I would have not known myself. This is a collection of poems to read, meditate on, savor, and cherish.

I can’t say, exactly, why I enjoy reading these observations except for the simplicity, directness and imagery transmitted through the verbiage. The translator has chosen for me to understand the mind of a hermit/monk who is seeking himself, to live simply, privately, in a self-sufficient way, before God.It is as though one were meditating and as thoughts arose, they were written down and become profound since they are simply observations which most often describe the manifestations of the sensations that man’s interaction with nature may bring to mind when in a contemplative state.This is a book that I can pick up and read from, from time to time, without regard to content; I can read it backwards if I want.

Purchased this collection for two reasons: I really enjoyed the poems of Cold Mountain and wanted more of that style, and then Red Pine is one of the best translators out there. I was not disappointed. Thoroughly enjoyable.

If you like "Cold Mountain Poems" you'll most likely adore Stonehouse.An elegant little edition, hand bound and compact with an exterior sleeve. There is also a special edition printed on fine rice paper, also hand bound available at a premium, if you can locate one.Stonehouse's purity, elegance and simplicity abound and strike directly into the heart of Zen. The overarching theme is his simple and direct daily life and the unobtrusive reflections of a mountain hermit in ancient China. Open to any small section and read even a few lines and it sustains it's harmonic resonance and piercing truth through the ages.A rare gem and now, my constant companion.

When I read Bill Porter's Road to Heaven about his journey to find Chinese hermits I wanted to know more about how people fared who choose to live isolated from others. The poems written by Stonehouse gave me more insight. The small hut he lived in, the few things in the hut, the few clothes he had, the small rations he subsisted on all pointed to how little one needs to live. Stonehouse lived a simple life which gave him contentment. The poems are simple but with them you feel like you were there seeing and experiencing Stonehouse's days. Bill Porter's comments added so much to the narrative explaining what some words meant in the context of the time.

Beautiful! There's not a single poem in here that I don't like. This is the best Zen poet I've ever read. Of course, I'm sure the translator had something to do with the end product. Not everyone is as capable of translating poetry so that it doesn't lose its aesthetic impact..Red Pine is certainly a master at his craft and this book proves it. Along with his translation of the Tao Te Ching this book makes a fine set to have. "Lao Tzu's Tao Te Ching" is also available here and I recommend them both strongly. If you like Zen poetry these poems will definitelyentrance you. Get them.

This is a beautiful hand sewn, hand bound edition, translated by Red Pine, first edition1986, published by Empty Bowl, Red Pine's small publishing house in Port Townsend, Washington. This edition was limited to 1000 copies and produced in Taipei on paper handmade by the Taiwan Handmade Paper Manufacturing Company. It is impeccable. A collector's item.

184 short, thoughtful poems by a 14th century Chinese hermit in a Zen Buddhist tradition. Very helpful notes by the translator Red Pine. A great companion to Cold Mountain songs (poems) also translated by Red Pine (Bill Porter). Also a great companion read with Porter's Road to Heaven; encounters with Chinese Hermits.

Sublime Buddhist poetry

this masterly translation by red pine is tonic for the mind and a balm for the soul - intelligent and inspiring reflections on life that transport the reader to another realm. highly recommended

Great poems. Great translation. But the commentary was unnecessary

Absolutely brilliant, Highly recommended.

Another great translation by Red Pine