Matsuo Basho
In “The Narrow Road to the Deep North” Matsuo Basho retraces the paths of ancient travelers mentioned in the verses of ancient poets.
Basho is a renowned poet and teacher when he decides to sell his belongings and embark on a journey of unknown outcome, "to view those places that I had heard of but never seen and placed my faith in an uncertain future, not knowing if I would return alive" (326). At those time travel is a dangerous venture as he says in this line, "Many, too, are the ancients who perished on the road" (325).
The travel begins in Edo, modern-day Tokyo, in an Era (17th century) in wich new literary genres flourish, due to a new-found wealth that enables all classes to have access to culture. It is in this context of opulence that Basho, with his …show more content…
Buddha Gozaemon was a man of enlightenment who gave a shelter for the night to Basho and Sora, for the sole purpose of helping. Indeed, in the Basho's diary, there are several references to Buddism, to highlight the spiritual side of the journey.
There are also references to China, whose cultural and religious traditions have significantly influenced Japanese traditions to which these lines refers, "In Yamagata there was a mountain temple, the Ryūshaku-ji, founded by the high priest Jikaku, an especially pure and tranquil place...I felt my spirit being purified." (332). Jikaku studied in China and helped to spread Tendai Buddhism--which has its roots in the Chinese Tiantai.
Indeed, “The Narrow Road to the Deep North” provides a valuable insight into the cultural, historical, and religious of the Japan of 17th century together with a touching journey into the hidden recesses of the human
Basho is a renowned poet and teacher when he decides to sell his belongings and embark on a journey of unknown outcome, "to view those places that I had heard of but never seen and placed my faith in an uncertain future, not knowing if I would return alive" (326). At those time travel is a dangerous venture as he says in this line, "Many, too, are the ancients who perished on the road" (325).
The travel begins in Edo, modern-day Tokyo, in an Era (17th century) in wich new literary genres flourish, due to a new-found wealth that enables all classes to have access to culture. It is in this context of opulence that Basho, with his …show more content…
Buddha Gozaemon was a man of enlightenment who gave a shelter for the night to Basho and Sora, for the sole purpose of helping. Indeed, in the Basho's diary, there are several references to Buddism, to highlight the spiritual side of the journey.
There are also references to China, whose cultural and religious traditions have significantly influenced Japanese traditions to which these lines refers, "In Yamagata there was a mountain temple, the Ryūshaku-ji, founded by the high priest Jikaku, an especially pure and tranquil place...I felt my spirit being purified." (332). Jikaku studied in China and helped to spread Tendai Buddhism--which has its roots in the Chinese Tiantai.
Indeed, “The Narrow Road to the Deep North” provides a valuable insight into the cultural, historical, and religious of the Japan of 17th century together with a touching journey into the hidden recesses of the human