'How admirable' by Matsuo Basho

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How admirable!
to see lightning and not think
life is fleeting.


Translated by Robert Hass

Editor 1 Interpretation

How Admirable: A Masterpiece of Haiku Poetry

Matsuo Basho, a legendary Japanese poet of the Edo period, contributed significantly to the development of Japanese literature. He is widely recognized as a master of haiku poetry, a form of Japanese poetry that consists of seventeen syllables arranged in three lines of five, seven, and five syllables respectively. Among his most famous works is the haiku poem "How Admirable," a short but profound masterpiece that has captured the hearts of many readers over the years. This literary criticism and interpretation of "How Admirable" seeks to analyze the poem's form, content, and structure, as well as its cultural and historical significance.

Form and Structure

At first glance, "How Admirable" appears to be a simple poem. It consists of just three lines and seventeen syllables, conforming to the standard structure of a haiku poem. However, a closer look reveals the complex significance of the poem's form and structure, which reflect the principles of haiku poetry and Basho's unique artistic style.

The first line of the poem, "How admirable," serves as an exclamation or kireji, a word that marks a pause or break in the poem. It creates a sense of tension and anticipation, drawing the reader's attention to the second line. This line, "to see lightning," is a kigo, a word that conveys a seasonal reference or image. It evokes the image of a summer storm, a common occurrence in Japan during the season of thunderstorms. The third line, "and not think life is fleeting," serves as a kire, a word that concludes the poem and provides a sense of closure. It expresses Basho's philosophical perspective on life and death, which is a common theme in his poetry.

The use of kireji and kigo in "How Admirable" is significant because it reflects the principles of haiku poetry, which emphasize the importance of capturing a moment or experience with sensory and emotional detail. The poem's form and structure enable Basho to convey complex ideas and emotions within a concise and structured framework, a hallmark of his artistic style.

Content and Theme

The content of "How Admirable" is deceptively simple. Basho's observation of lightning during a summer storm is a common experience that many people can relate to. However, the poem's deeper meaning lies in its philosophical message about the transience of life and the importance of living in the present moment.

The phrase "and not think life is fleeting" implies that the speaker is aware of the fragility of life and the inevitability of death. However, rather than succumbing to despair or nihilism, the speaker chooses to appreciate the beauty of the moment and find meaning in it. This message is consistent with Basho's Zen Buddhist philosophy, which emphasizes the importance of mindfulness, simplicity, and living in harmony with nature.

The poem's theme also reflects the cultural and historical context of Basho's time. The Edo period in Japan was marked by political instability, economic stagnation, and social conflict. Many people sought refuge in art, poetry, and traditional cultural practices as a way to escape the harsh realities of life. Basho's haiku poetry, with its emphasis on simplicity, nature, and mindfulness, provided a source of comfort and inspiration for many people during this time.

Interpretation and Analysis

The interpretation and analysis of "How Admirable" depend on the reader's understanding of haiku poetry, Japanese culture, and Basho's artistic style. However, there are several key elements of the poem that are worth exploring in more detail.

Firstly, the use of the kireji "How admirable" creates a sense of wonder and awe that prepares the reader for the sensory image of lightning in the second line. This creates a contrast between the exalted tone of the first line and the elemental, natural image of lightning. By pairing these two contrasting elements, Basho creates a sense of harmony and balance that reflects the Zen Buddhist idea of the unity of opposites.

Secondly, the kigo "to see lightning" is significant because it conveys a sense of impermanence and transience. Lightning is a fleeting, ephemeral phenomenon that captures the essence of the Zen Buddhist concept of mujo, or the impermanence of all things. By focusing on this momentary image, Basho encourages the reader to appreciate the beauty of transience and find meaning in the present moment.

Thirdly, the kire "and not think life is fleeting" is a powerful statement that encapsulates Basho's philosophical perspective on life and death. Rather than fearing or denying the inevitability of death, the speaker chooses to embrace the present moment and find meaning in it. This message is consistent with the Zen Buddhist idea of shogyo mujo, or the impermanence of all things in the world of phenomena. By accepting the impermanence of life, the speaker achieves a sense of enlightenment and liberation that is central to Zen Buddhist philosophy.

Conclusion

"How Admirable" is a masterpiece of haiku poetry that reflects Basho's unique artistic style and Zen Buddhist philosophy. Its form, structure, content, and theme are carefully crafted to convey a sense of wonder, harmony, and acceptance that resonates with readers across cultures and time periods. By capturing the beauty of a fleeting moment and finding meaning in it, Basho encourages us to appreciate the impermanence of life and find joy in the present moment. How admirable indeed!

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

How Admirable: A Deep Dive into Matsuo Basho's Classic Haiku

Matsuo Basho, a renowned Japanese poet, is known for his mastery of haiku, a traditional form of Japanese poetry. Among his many works, "How admirable" is a classic haiku that has captured the hearts of many readers. In this article, we will take a deep dive into this haiku, exploring its meaning, structure, and significance.

The Haiku

How admirable to see lightning and not think life is fleeting.

At first glance, this haiku may seem simple and straightforward. However, upon closer examination, it reveals a depth of meaning that is both profound and thought-provoking.

Structure

Haiku is a form of poetry that consists of three lines. The first and third lines have five syllables, while the second line has seven syllables. This structure is known as the 5-7-5 syllable pattern. Basho's haiku follows this pattern perfectly, making it a classic example of the form.

Meaning

The first line of the haiku, "How admirable," sets the tone for the rest of the poem. It suggests that the following lines will describe something that is worthy of admiration. The second line, "to see lightning and not think," introduces the subject of the poem: lightning. The third line, "life is fleeting," provides a contrast to the first two lines, suggesting that the speaker is reflecting on the transience of life.

The juxtaposition of the second and third lines is what makes this haiku so powerful. Lightning is a natural phenomenon that is often associated with danger and destruction. However, the speaker is able to see the beauty in it, without being consumed by thoughts of mortality. This is what makes the observation "admirable."

The haiku can be interpreted in different ways, depending on the reader's perspective. Some may see it as a reminder to appreciate the beauty in life, even in the midst of chaos and uncertainty. Others may see it as a call to detach oneself from the fear of death and embrace the present moment.

Significance

Basho's haiku is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it is a testament to his skill as a poet. Despite its brevity, the haiku is able to convey a complex idea in a concise and elegant manner. It is a testament to the power of poetry to capture the essence of life in just a few words.

Secondly, the haiku is significant because it reflects the philosophy of Zen Buddhism, which emphasizes the importance of living in the present moment. The speaker's ability to admire the lightning without being consumed by thoughts of mortality is a reflection of this philosophy. It is a reminder to live in the present moment and appreciate the beauty of life, without being weighed down by the fear of death.

Finally, the haiku is significant because it has stood the test of time. It was written over three hundred years ago, yet it still resonates with readers today. This is a testament to the universality of its message and the enduring power of poetry to touch the human soul.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Matsuo Basho's haiku "How admirable" is a classic example of the haiku form. Its structure, meaning, and significance make it a powerful and thought-provoking poem. It is a reminder to appreciate the beauty of life, even in the midst of chaos and uncertainty. It is a call to live in the present moment and embrace the transience of life. And it is a testament to the enduring power of poetry to touch the human soul.

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