The Shaping of Gary Snyder's Ecological Consciousness
| Title | The Shaping of Gary Snyder's Ecological Consciousness |
| Publication Type | Journal Article |
| Year of Publication | 2002 |
| Authors | Takahashi, Ayako |
| Journal | Comparative Literature Studies |
| Volume | 39 |
| Pagination | 314 |
| Date Published | 2002 |
| ISBN Number | 0010-4132 |
| Keywords | Buddhism in literature, Ecology in literature, Snyder, Gary, United States -- Civilization -- Asian influences |
| Abstract | Part of a special issue exploring relationships between East and West in literature and philosophy. Since the late 1950s, the American poet and writer Gary Snyder has been a cultural bridge between East and West. Using Eastern philosophy for his poetic inspiration, Snyder's poetry and essays have been read from critical and anthropological angles, as well as from the view of "an ecological consciousness." As well as being placed in the tradition of Robert Bly and Ezra Pound, Snyder has also attracted the attention of comparatists in China, who are interested in the influence of Zen, Taoism, Hua-yen Buddhism, and Cathay's upon his work. The writer examines the Eastern influences on Snyder's ecological consciousness, focusing on the way his "de-humanism" reflects elements of the Taoist-Hua-yen Buddhist idea of un-speaking, self-generating, self-conditioning nature. |
