Reviews

Betrachtungen aus der Stille: Das Tsurezuregusa by Yoshida Kenkō

anamaria23's review against another edition

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3.0

Some parts were good. Some others were redundant and a bit sexist. Nonetheless, they reveal essential aspects of the Japanese culture which might come in handy when trying to understand the Japanese way of thinking.

caomhghin's review against another edition

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5.0

These two works - one a kind of essay and the other (Essays in Idleness) a series of mini-essay like vignettes of thought, are only connected in being representative of Japanese Buddhism approaches to life in the medieval period. One (Hojoki) is a short essay on the impermanence of life and his retreat to the mountains, his observations on his life there and his previous existence. It is quite lovely.
The other is more like, I suppose, a Pillow Book. Kenko seems to be torn between the mundane and the divine, appreciating points of etiquette, dress or style, damning drink only to end up extoling it. They are charming and in the end slight musings from another time.
It seems like an excellent translation.

florencebrino's review against another edition

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4.0

What a strange demented feeling it gives me when I realize that I have spent whole days before this inkstone, with nothing better to do, jotting down at random whatever nonsensical thoughts have entered my head.

*

Are we to look at cherry blossoms only in full bloom, the moon only when it is cloudless? To long for the moon while looking on the rain, to lower the blinds and be unaware of the passing of the spring - these are even more deeply moving. Branches about to blossom or gardens strewn with flowers are worthier of our admiration.

May 11, 18

jazzylemon's review against another edition

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5.0

“Things of which it is good to see plenty:
Books in a book-case.
Dust in a dust heap.”

There is a wealth of good advice that has not aged since it was written.

necrotichag's review against another edition

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reflective relaxing

3.0

"and a strange, demented feeling it was..."

elijahdavidson's review against another edition

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Read alongside Ecclesiastes. Two religious texts. Similar motivations. Very different approaches and solutions. Fascinating.

eddiecational's review against another edition

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3.0

Well, I forgot that I had already read this. I guess that says something about the staying power of the texts.

amandahaas322's review against another edition

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5.0

A stunning amount of consistencies and observations from 800 years ago that stand today.

The "hustle and bustle of modern life detracts from introspection and fulfillment" etc

We don't spend enough time looking at the moon and reflecting on the beauty of everything.

nathanielpr's review against another edition

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medium-paced

2.5

A few interesting insights and some pleasant observations but mostly complaining about how things used to be better. Big "kids these days" energy.

jdorchen's review against another edition

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4.0

Very pleasant.