The Dharma in Verse
Routledge eBooks April 27, 2026 DOI: 10.4324/9781003741886-4 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Buddhism |
| Key points | Argues that Buddhist poetry has long functioned as a vehicle for transmitting dharma and cultivating mindfulness, embodying paradox, non-duality, and the ineffable nature of awakening. Contends that verse can illuminate the stages of insight, the two truths, and the paradox of "nothing to gain", with nature serving as both metaphor and manifestation of dharma and poetic reflection itself as contemplative practice. |
Abstract
This chapter explores the deep interconnection between Buddhist contemplative traditions and poetic expression, revealing how verse has long served as a vehicle for transmitting dharma and cultivating mindfulness. Tracing the evolution of Buddhist poetry from the Pāli Canon and Mahāyāna texts to Zen haiku and Tibetan songs of realisation, it highlights how poetry embodies paradox, non-duality, and the ineffable nature of awakening. Drawing on historical and contemporary sources, including Dōgen, Ryōkan, Milarepa, and Thich Nhat Hanh, the chapter illustrates how poetic language can illuminate the stages of insight, the two truths (relative and ultimate), and the spiritual paradox of “nothing to gain”. Nature emerges as both metaphor and manifestation of dharma, with poetic reflection serving as a contemplative practice in itself. The chapter concludes with guided meditations and reflection prompts, inviting readers to experience poetry not as ornament, but as a living path of mindfulness. Poetry, here, becomes both the finger pointing and the moon itself, an invitation to awaken.