Shifting interests some lately

I have been increasingly enchanted with the wandering Chinese (and Japanese) poets and monks.  Even ronin too, I guess.  LiPo is one example.  I like the solitariness of it, the adventure of foot travel, the scenery of the mountains, forests, and villages.  I like the poetry (I am actually leader of a Poetry Sharing Circle for a nearby Senior Center).  And the philosophical contemplation.

Not that I could ever live like that, really.  Health does not permit.  We are fixed in the suburbs until "the end."  But in my imagination, I do contemplate this alternative "lifestyle."

Anyone a believer in "past lives?"  I am not, really.  Not at all.  But I do believe in "archetypes."

If anyone reads this, I would welcome a note or reply.  

Blessings on you, out there!

Comments

[Missives from the Birdcage]

And poet painters, too. As an art historian I have to bring them up, the literati painters, many of whom gave up their lives as mandarins to live spare (and sometimes "spare") lives of contemplation in mountain hermitages as a protest against the corruption and tumultuousness of the the waning years of the Tang Dynasty. It's a style particularly associated with the Song Dynasty, and the literati painters spent their time seeking order and balance in nature and the natural world, which was lacking in the human world. The painter Ma Yuan comes to mind, though there are others. Many of these painters were also poets and created pieces that included both images (often mountain landscapes, sometimes with a literati hermitage tucked into the side of a hill) and poems.

I must admit that I often find the call of the hermitage awfully appealing. Particularly now, in a time of political strife, when I sometimes feel like the political fight may not be worth waging. I often think of those mandarins, pulling away from the public service that they believed their duty to lead quiet lives of contemplation, painting and composing poetry. I used to be a pretty good painter, so that's appealing.... but I'm a terrible poet, and I also don't have the resources that many of the literati had to allow for such a withdrawal. Maybe if I win the lottery I'll be able to make my retreat...

[DoctorD]

So, thanks Birdcage! I didn't know at all about poet painters, but that is exactly appropriate. Or about Ma Yuan, particularly so.

I do feel very much like someone who has concluded a life of public service, doing the best I could, but yes, now frustrated. At the same time, though there isn't really much I can do, I am also afraid that lots of progressives and liberals and really just good citizens feel, as you say, like the political fight may not be worth waging.

It is difficult for me, though, I am sort of caught between the two worlds. However, at the moment, I am watching a tank of tropical fish on a DVD, instead of Meet the Press or something else that would be likely to rouse my ire.

Anyhow, I really appreciate your comment!

[Missives from the Birdcage]

Tropical fish DVD.... maybe that's what I need? I find so much of what is going on at present that I can't even listen to npr without getting upset (mostly because they try to present both sides, which means having to listen to Senator Tans-a-lot, His Mighty Orangeness talking hooey without being called on it). Difficult times, and not good for one's health, nor for one's heart. I find it terribly depressing listening to the self-righteous selfishness, arrogance, and hubris.