Description: Beneath a Single Moon is a landmark anthology that examines the rich tapestry of Buddhist influence on contemporary American poetry. Edited by Kent Johnson and Craig Paulenich, this collection brings together diverse voices exploring the intricate relationship between meditation, artistic expression, and the essence of Buddhist teachings. At its core, the book challenges conventional notions of spirituality and creativity, offering readers a unique perspective on the intersection between Eastern philosophy and Western poetic traditions. The contributors, including Allen Ginsberg, Anne Waldman, and Philip Whalen, share their personal journeys and insight, revealing how Buddhist principles have shaped their artistic endeavors and worldviews. Through their words, readers gain a deeper understanding of the transformative power of both meditation and poetry.
This anthology invites readers to explore the beauty of ordinary moments and the profound connections that bind us all. As the poets grapple with themes of impermanence, interconnectedness, and the nature of reality, they offer a compelling vision of how spirituality and art can illuminate the complexities of the human experience. Beneath a Single Moon stands as a testament to the enduring influence of Buddhism on American literature and the universal quest for meaning and authenticity.Review Quotes: "This intelligent anthology provides compelling evidence of a continuing preoccupation in American thought, from Emerson, Thoreau, and Whitman to the poets here represented. It is the human search for locating home, transcendent yet literal, always here even if nowhere. The complexly common voices of these writers are an insistent call to our own need, to let go of our 'lives' and so live them."--Robert Creeley