'What a strange thing' by Kobayashi Issa

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What a strange thing!
to be alive
beneath cherry blossoms.


Translated by Robert Hass

Editor 1 Interpretation

What a Strange Thing: Kobayashi Issa's Classic Haiku

Wow, what a strange thing! to be alive beneath cherry blossoms.

Kobayashi Issa's haiku, "What a Strange Thing," is a masterpiece of simplicity and depth. In just three lines, Issa captures the essence of life and the beauty of nature, while also hinting at the transience and impermanence of both.

At first glance, the haiku seems almost too simple. It is just a statement, followed by a description. But the more you read it, the more you realize how much it contains. It is a meditation on life, death, and the passing of time, all wrapped up in a few short words.

Let's start by looking at the first line: "Wow, what a strange thing!" This line is both an exclamation and a statement. It expresses wonder and amazement at the fact of existence, while also acknowledging that existence itself is strange and mysterious. It is a reminder that life is a gift, and that we should never take it for granted.

The second line, "to be alive," is a simple statement of fact. But it is also a celebration of life. Being alive is a miracle, and Issa invites us to revel in it. He reminds us that life is not just about surviving, but about experiencing the world around us with all of our senses.

Finally, the third line brings us back to nature. "Beneath cherry blossoms" is a beautiful image, evoking the fleeting beauty of springtime and the delicate fragility of life. The cherry blossoms are a symbol of transience and impermanence, reminding us that all things must pass.

Taken together, these three lines create a powerful meditation on life and death. They remind us to appreciate every moment we have, and to savor the beauty of the world around us. They also remind us that life is fleeting, and that we should make the most of the time we have.

But there is more to this haiku than just a meditation on life and death. It is also a celebration of nature, and a call to live in harmony with the world around us. By placing us beneath the cherry blossoms, Issa invites us to connect with nature and to appreciate its beauty.

The cherry blossoms, with their delicate pink petals and fleeting beauty, are a symbol of the impermanence of life. They remind us that everything is temporary, and that we should cherish every moment we have. But they are also a symbol of renewal and rebirth, reminding us that even when things pass away, new life can always emerge.

In this way, the haiku offers us a powerful message of hope. It reminds us that even when things seem dark and uncertain, there is always the possibility of renewal and growth. It offers us a vision of a world in which we live in harmony with nature, appreciating its beauty and respecting its power.

In conclusion, "What a Strange Thing" is a masterpiece of simplicity and depth. It offers us a powerful meditation on life and death, reminding us to appreciate every moment we have and to savor the beauty of the world around us. It also invites us to connect with nature and to live in harmony with the world around us. It is a haiku that speaks to the heart, reminding us of the wonder and mystery of existence, and inviting us to live our lives to the fullest.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

What a Strange Thing: An Analysis of Kobayashi Issa's Classic Haiku

Haiku, a traditional form of Japanese poetry, is known for its brevity and simplicity. In just three lines, a haiku can capture a moment, an emotion, or a thought. One of the most famous haiku poets is Kobayashi Issa, who lived in Japan during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Issa's haiku are known for their humor, compassion, and insight into the human condition. One of his most famous haiku is "What a strange thing," which captures the essence of his poetic style.

The haiku reads:

What a strange thing! to be alive beneath cherry blossoms.

At first glance, this haiku may seem simple and straightforward. However, upon closer examination, it reveals a deeper meaning and a profound insight into the human experience. Let's break down each line and explore its significance.

The first line, "What a strange thing!" sets the tone for the entire haiku. It is a statement of wonder and amazement at the world around us. Issa is acknowledging the strangeness of existence, the fact that we are alive and conscious beings in a vast and mysterious universe. This line also sets up a contrast between the strangeness of life and the beauty of the cherry blossoms.

The second line, "to be alive," is a simple statement of fact, but it carries a lot of weight. Being alive is a strange and wondrous thing, as Issa has already established. It is a gift and a mystery, something to be cherished and celebrated. This line also emphasizes the importance of being present in the moment, of experiencing life fully and deeply.

The third line, "beneath cherry blossoms," is where the haiku takes on a more specific and concrete meaning. Cherry blossoms are a symbol of beauty, transience, and the impermanence of life. They bloom for only a short time each year, reminding us of the fleeting nature of existence. By placing the speaker "beneath" the cherry blossoms, Issa is emphasizing the idea of being grounded in the present moment, of being fully immersed in the beauty and wonder of life.

Taken together, these three lines create a powerful image of the human experience. We are alive, and that in itself is a strange and wondrous thing. We are surrounded by beauty and transience, by the fleeting moments of life that make it all the more precious. The haiku is a reminder to appreciate the present moment, to be grateful for the gift of life, and to embrace the mystery and wonder of existence.

But the haiku also has a deeper meaning, one that speaks to the Buddhist philosophy that influenced Issa's work. In Buddhism, the concept of impermanence is central to the understanding of the world. Everything is constantly changing and evolving, and nothing lasts forever. The cherry blossoms, with their brief and beautiful existence, are a symbol of this impermanence. By placing the speaker "beneath" the cherry blossoms, Issa is suggesting that we should embrace this impermanence, that we should accept the transience of life and find beauty in it.

The haiku also speaks to the Buddhist concept of mindfulness, or being fully present in the moment. By acknowledging the strangeness of existence and the beauty of the cherry blossoms, the speaker is fully immersed in the present moment. This mindfulness is a key aspect of Buddhist practice, as it allows us to fully experience life and find peace and contentment in the present moment.

In conclusion, Kobayashi Issa's haiku "What a strange thing" is a powerful and profound reflection on the human experience. It captures the wonder and amazement of being alive, the beauty and transience of life, and the importance of being fully present in the moment. It is a reminder to appreciate the gift of life, to find beauty in impermanence, and to embrace the mystery and wonder of existence. As we read and reflect on this haiku, we are reminded of the power and beauty of poetry, and of the timeless wisdom that can be found in the words of great poets like Issa.

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