Reviews from

The Japanese Aesthetic

A Lecture

18 total reviews 
Comment from Jean Lutz
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

The shorter forms of poetry are really grabbing me. I refer to them as "capsules to be taken as needed". I like your use of food and serving utensils to illustrate haiku.

 Comment Written 27-Apr-2011


reply by the author on 27-Apr-2011
    Thanks for a great review. If you like the Religious Texts/Poetry course, you might consider taking the Shorter Poetic Forms course. It starts one week later than Religious Texts/Poetry. I don't know if I will offer it again; I hope so. See you on 11 AM your time on Monday! Thanks for a great review.
Comment from samandlancelot
Excellent
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Alvin,

Thank you for suggesting I read this lecture. I know I like endings. I like things in neat packages. I don't think like the Japanese. I also don't want to be limited by my current ways of thinking. What I have read in this lecture has me considering before God changes He may want to make in my ways of thinking. I thank Him for this lesson through your lecture.

haiku should have an unfinished nature. (I was thinking about my haiku where the leaves took their final bow in the satori line. It seems to leave my poem with a finished ending. Did I miss the mark on this?)

Haiku reflect the aesthetic the (change 'the' to 'way' ? )Japanese observe nature,

Patricia

 Comment Written 09-Apr-2011


reply by the author on 09-Apr-2011
    Thanks for the review, Patricia. In your haiku, I hear the equivalent of an ellipsis, not a period, at the end, so I think it's fine. Thanks for the editing catch. I added an "in" to make the essay clearer. Thanks for a good review.
Comment from IndianaIrish
Excellent
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A great lesson, Alvin, written in an understanding and reader-friendly fashion that gives us a clearer insight into haiku. Thanks.
Indy :>)

 Comment Written 20-Feb-2011


reply by the author on 20-Feb-2011
    Thanks, Indy. I appreciate it.
Comment from Writingfundimension
Excellent
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I think this is an excellent essay. Your use of the food pairings and food vessel selection was a very inspired way to lead into the rest of the essay. Extremely informative and just enough information to pique further interest. I found it extremely helpful. Best wishes...Bev

 Comment Written 15-Feb-2011


reply by the author on 15-Feb-2011
    Thanks for a great review (I do hope you read it the first time before class! SMILES...I am just teasing you.)
Comment from Rdfrdmom2
Excellent
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Alvin:

I find this posting to be absolutely fascinating.
I must have a little Japanese blood in me somewhere
as I refuse to believe all poetry must have either
rhythm or rhyme and have always believed that to be
ao -- I did learn a great deal more about haiku than
I've ever known and am appreciative of that

thanks for sharing
love,
jan

 Comment Written 15-Feb-2011


reply by the author on 15-Feb-2011
    Thanks for an excellent review, Jan. I'll be teaching Shorter Poetic Forms in April. I hope you'll consider taking the course. Thanks again.
Comment from BarnCat
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Nicely done, Alvin. I hope the structural quality of the haiku posted on this site will improve dramatically after your course is completed. Your lecture is focused and clear. Your use of Basho's example shows that haiku moves far beyond the 5/7/5 parameters placed upon it by this site. Moreover, I loved the parallels of your dinner with the Japanese aesthetic. Perfect. Those in your class are very fortunate. D

 Comment Written 15-Feb-2011


reply by the author on 15-Feb-2011
    Thanks for an exceptional review, D. I am extremely grateful. I think the structural quality of haiku has already begun to improve. I hope you'll consider taking either my Shorter Poetic Forms course (now available) or my haiku course (soon to be available) in April. Thanks again for those six stars and for your insightful words.
Comment from Perp Ihebom
Excellent
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This is a nice piece that enlightens us, readers on this site on some of the aesthetics of the people of Japan. I like the information on the haiku poems. well done

 Comment Written 15-Feb-2011


reply by the author on 15-Feb-2011
    Thanks. I am teaching a course on Shorter Poetic Forms,which will include one week on haiku, in April here on FanStory. I hope you'll consider taking it. I would like your perspective in the class; I have always enjoyed your work.
Comment from amada
Excellent
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What a great metaphors in here to understand better the soul behind the haikus. Also, on rhyming and non rhyming. I'm for the japanese style, when i try to rhyme my works they seem so false, measured, and contribed, life a free bird that was caught, caged, and devoid of its spirit.

 Comment Written 14-Feb-2011


reply by the author on 14-Feb-2011
    Thanks for a great review. I am truly appreciative. See you in class, if not before!
Comment from fionageorge
Excellent
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Al, thank you, my friend, for this well explained and wonderful insight into the nature of the haiku and the haiga. I loved the way you compared it to a Japanese meal with the two seaweeds. You have also clearly explained what enjambment is.
Thanks for sharing, Al. Warmest regards, Marijke :o)

 Comment Written 14-Feb-2011


reply by the author on 14-Feb-2011
    You're welcome. I have missed reviewing you, but I have been busy with my class. It is offered again in April and now available for registration. Are you thinking of taking it? Thanks again for this excellent review.
Comment from R. K. Alan
Excellent
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Loved the story Alvin. I have lived in Asia for 20-years and have come to appreciate the Japanese aesthetic, as you say, and the Chinese. The two cultures are so very different. It is said, take ten Japanese businessmen and ten Chinese businessmen and ask them to develop a standalone business and the Chinese will bury the Japanese. But ask them to work as two teams and the Japanese will easily prevail - working as a team. Cheers... btw... your meal sounds delicious, light and fresh. Ray aka R. K. Alan

 Comment Written 14-Feb-2011


reply by the author on 14-Feb-2011
    Yes, it was quite good. I am offering Shorter Poetic Forms in April and would love to have you in the class. It is now available for registration. Thanks again for a very understanding review.