Essays in Idleness
Also known as Tsurezuregusa; a collection of observations and reflections.
Kenkō
Japanese literature · Buddhist reflection
The person behind the ideas
Kenkō, also known as Yoshida Kenkō, was a medieval Japanese writer and Buddhist priest. His Essays in Idleness moves between anecdotes, tastes and reflections on change, giving ordinary observations a lasting philosophical life.
Biography sources
Biography reference →At a glance
- Era
- Medieval Japan
- Notable works
- Essays in Idleness
- Tradition
- Japanese literature · Buddhist reflection
Ideas and outlook
Kenkō finds material for thought in ordinary tastes, encounters and changes. His observations make transience something to notice in daily life rather than only discuss abstractly.
About the works
Read more
Other quotes across journeys
Across Japan
Are we to look at cherry blossoms only in full bloom, at the moon only when it is cloudless?
Essays in Idleness · Donald Keene
Visit this journey →Source details
Essays in Idleness · Donald Keene
Kenkō questions a preference for beauty only at its fullest or clearest. The passage belongs to a longer reflection on impermanence.
Read the source ↗