Throughout his eventful life as a monk, poet, novelist, political dissident, husband, and father, Ko Un has remained a traveler on the Way. The poems in this collection, though strictly within the true Zen tradition, are as witty and down-to-earth as they are contemplative. Described by Allen Ginsberg as “thought-stopping Koan-like mental firecrackers,” the poems reflect both writer and reader. First published in 1997, the new edition features a more sympathetic translation and 11 original brush paintings by the author.

Throughout his eventful life as a monk, poet, novelist, political dissident, husband, and father, Ko Un has remained a traveler on the Way. The poems in this collection, though strictly within the true Zen tradition, are as witty and down-to-earth as they are contemplative. Described by Allen Ginsberg as “thought-stopping Koan-like mental firecrackers,” the poems reflect both writer and reader. First published in 1997, the new edition features a more sympathetic translation and 11 original brush paintings by the author.