|
By mia_ms_kim
|
|
01 April 2008 |
Another one of Shiva Ryu's poems I've translated from the original Korean. I hope some people find it interesting. 
Star
Where does a star get its sparkle?
How does a star change clay into life?
Why does a star exist?
A scientist said. It is caused by the nuclear fusion of atoms.
A pastor said. It is an undeniable evidence of God.
An astrologer said. It is the revelation of my fate like the turning of a wheel.
A poet said. Stars are my tears.
Finally I went and asked a mystic.
The mystic did not even bother to look at the stars.
He tapped my chest with a blunt finger and said, Just
Pay attention to the star that’s inside of you.
While I was listening to the explanations
I grew older.
Now with even more bewildered eyes
I gaze at the stars.
Now what I wish for is,
Like some old man in India,
To be satisfied just with
Stillness when I meditate, and a little piece of bread.
What I dislike the most is, like that old man,
Being interrupted from gazing at the stars,
While I’m sitting at night, watching the distant heavens.
|
Written by punchy (493 comments posted) 1st April 2008 | | Beautiful, really makes you think. But thinking is a dangerous habit x | thank you, punchy
Written by mia_ms_kim (975 comments posted) 1st April 2008 | I agree thinking can be very dangerous. So I think vicariously by reading (or translating) other thinkers' material. That's safer.
Mia  | Thinking...
Written by Brett (731 comments posted) 1st April 2008 | is never dangerous, it's acting on the thoughts that can be.
I enjoyed this, however, there is something very serene about it; as if Omar Khayamm was on the wagon.
Cheers |
Written by Fledermaus (3238 comments posted) 1st April 2008 | Haha. Yes, that's the whole point. Why question things if you can just enjoy them?
As for thinking. I think Confucius said that knowledge without thinking was a waste, but thinking without knowledge is dangerous. | Later . mia
Written by patterjack (1159 comments posted) 1st April 2008 | I read this with interest -- but as this is translation , ( and a very well expressed one , too ) I think I shall comment in a private message to you about the content, which in this cae is the major issue .
patterjack | Brett, Fledermaus, thank you
Written by mia_ms_kim (975 comments posted) 1st April 2008 | for enjoying the translation, and your thought-provoking comments about thinking. I agree with both of you. And Confucius was a great ancient thinker whose wisdom has become practically a religion in Korea and was once almost worshipped.
For myself, I wonder too much thinking leads to unnecessary suffering (the poet Ryu is the typical case - the man thought too much in my opinion). It can produce wonderful literature, but I personally don't want to indulge in any more suffering than life dishes out to me. I'd rather stay shallow.
Mia | patterjack, thank you
Written by mia_ms_kim (975 comments posted) 1st April 2008 | for your interest. I look forward to your PM. I'm sure I will learn a great deal again.
Mia  | Reactions
Written by patterjack (1159 comments posted) 1st April 2008 | Re the content of this poem only .
The answers Shiva Ryu as poet received : my personal opinions
Scientist : -- acceptable -- just
Pastor : - well , I am an atheist
Astrologer :- rubbish
Poet :- pretentious
Mystic :- just acceptable, but not really mystic. More psychotherapy.
Ryu's final wish I find totally unacceptable to me at least . It seems that such an attitude is one of selfish negativity .
patterjack | Patterjack, thank you
Written by mia_ms_kim (975 comments posted) 2nd April 2008 | For your insightful comments. I think your view is thought-provoking and gives a refreshing contrast. I didn't quite think of the poem that way before. I find your analysis of the answer given by each person in the poem interesting, and may I say, hilarious! I think you’ve caught the undercurrent of something that flows in Ryu’s thinking.
The following is my own reservation about this poem and about Shiva Ryu in general (although I like most of his poems and his perception about life): I find certain aspects of Ryu's mindset and general oriental philosophy unproductive and negative, and I say this as an oriental person. There is something passive about some oriental thinking, which can give you peace of mind, but can also be fatalistic, escapist and therefore immobilising. It is the oriental coping mechanism, I think, that stems from perennial overcrowding and therefore constant stress at all levels. I think being passive is the correct attitude to adopt in certain situations - but on the whole I don't know, I have my doubts - I think we definitely need a balance.
Thank you, Brian again, for your review.
Mia  |
Only registered users can rate and write comments.
Please login or register. Powered by AkoComment 2.0! |
Previous item
