Zen Buddhism and American Poetry class at the UW Experimental College!

Zen Buddhism and American Poetry

with Prof. Ewan Magie

"This course examines the ongoing and deepening relationship between Zen Buddhism and American poetry. We will read, study, and discuss poetic and philosophical precursors, as well as investigate 20th and 21st century American poetry (and some prose) steeped in or informed by Zen Buddhist practice and thought. We will also practice a little meditation and poetry in class, as a method towards more fully understanding what has often been perceived as mysterious and ineffable. On Campus."

In the 1950's and 60's a lot of Westerners were getting interested in Zen Buddhism and a number of translations of Zen/Chan poetry were coming out.  The connection between Zen Buddhism and the Beatniks and other poets was strong.  Poetry writing, Zen, Asian Culture, and an alternative lifestyle were all complementing each other in their development.  
When I got interested in Buddhism, it happened to be the same time I found out about Gary Snyder, HanShan, Issa, Basho and I started studying Asian art and literature.  Everything seemed to fit together!  That is why I am excited about this class.  The class has around 7 people so far and it can have up to 20.  It will definitely happen.
Please consider joining if you would like to learn about Zen Buddhism, do a little meditation, read some great poetry, and probably get a chance to write some too!
It is on every Monday night starting on Jan. 23rd and finishes on February 27th.  It is from 7:00-9:00 PM at the UW.  Come join us!

This class will be taught by Professor Ewan Magie who holds an MA in Literary Criticism from Prescott College and has been an adjunct professor at Bellevue College since 2001. Professor Magie has reflectively explored the threads of this class for two decades. Over time his passion for this area of poetry and literature has been further deepened by his own Buddhist meditation practice within both the Vipassana and Zen traditions.