The History Of Haiku

Haiku is a traditional form of Japanese poetry. It has a rich and spiritual history. Many people relate Haiku to Zen. Haiku did not originate from Zen. Zen is not even considered a school or branch of Buddhism by scholars and universities comparative religion departments because Zen does not adhere to any Buddhist Sutra (teaching) but promotes nihilism. Unfortunately with the proliferation of the internet false equivalents are epidemic.

Haiku has its origins in the traditional Japanese collaborative linked-verse form of poetry known as "renga."

Renga consists of alternating stanzas of 5-7-5 and 7-7 syllables. The opening stanza of renga, called "hokku," eventually evolved into the standalone form of haiku. Renga is a traditional form of Japanese collaborative linked-verse poetry that served as a precursor to the standalone haiku form. The origins of renga go back to the ancient practice of composing linked verses in China. The linked verses involved poets taking turns to contribute lines of poetry to create a collaborative poem. This practice eventually made its way to Japan and evolved into the form known as "renga."

Renga became popular in Japan during the in the 12th century. It was practiced by poets and aristocrats as a form of social and intellectual entertainment.

In renga, one poet would write the opening stanza, known as the "hokku." The following poet would then contribute a stanza of 7-7 syllables. Renga often incorporated themes of nature, seasons, and human emotions. Poets followed specific rules and conventions when composing renga, such as adhering to syllable counts, using seasonal words (kigo), and creating shifts in tone and imagery between verses.

Over time, the opening stanza of renga, the hokku, gained prominence and began to be appreciated as a standalone form of poetry. This evolution eventually led to the development of haiku.

Matsuo Basho (1644-1694), who lived in Japan, is considered the most famous and influential poet in the history of haiku. He helped bring the Haiku style to a respected form of poetry. He established most of the conventions that define the genre today. Basho's haiku are known for their simplicity, clarity, and deep connection to nature. Nature has always been a prominent theme in Haiku.

Over time, haiku evolved from mainly a traditional focus on nature to encompass a wide range of themes. Today haiku explores personal experiences, emotions, and contemporary issues. Nature is still a prominent theme and the vast majority of poems framed on peoples walls are about nature. Since haiku is short it looks good on beautiful photos without obscuring the photo.

Haiku is typically composed of three lines with a syllable pattern of 5-7-5, although in English-language haiku, the focus is usually on the number of syllables rather than on strict adherence to the 5-7-5 pattern. Unfortunately there are far too many people that like to call their short poems Haiku even if they are not structured as such.

Today Haiku has gained popularity outside of Japan and is embraced by poets around the world. Different cultures have adopted the form and adapted it to their own languages and various poetic traditions.

In contemporary haiku, people continue to experiment with the form and explore new ways to express themselves within the constraints of its structure. Haiku remains a vibrant and evolving form of poetry that continues to inspire poets and readers alike.

Haiku has a long and storied history. Its origins in traditional Japanese poetry to become a beloved and widely practiced form of poetry around the world is quite amazing. The universal simplicity of it makes it form of poetry that touches many topics.

Some of my Haiku about animals

There’s one path to choose

Entities of Compassion

Are Bodhisattvas

Graceful deer leaps high

Through the forest, silent steps

Nature's beauty shines

Eagle soars above

Majestic wings touch the sky

Freedom in motion

Tiny hummingbird

Flutters by with vibrant hues

Nature's tiny gem

Playful dolphins dance

In ocean depths, joy abounds

Eternal friendship

Lone wolf's haunting call

Echoes through the silent night

Wild spirit roams free

Curious panda

Black and white in bamboo groves

Gentle giant roams

Sly fox in the woods

Eyes gleaming with cunning wit

Nature's clever trickster

Lazy cat naps soft

Purring in the sun's warm glow

Contentment abounds

Majestic lion

Roars across the savannah

King of the wild plains

Silent owl takes flight

Wise guardian of the night

Mystery in eyes

A few more famous haiku poems.

Matsuo Basho

An old silent pond...

A frog jumps into the pond—

Splash! Silence again.

Yosa Buson

Light of a candle—

I wipe the tears from her eyes

With my fingers.

Kobayashi Issa

This dewdrop world—

Is a dewdrop world,

And yet, and yet...

Chiyo-ni

Morning glory!

The well-bucket-entangled,

I ask for water.

Shiki

Over-ripe sushi,

The master

Is full of regret.