Issue 35 just out: American Zen investigates the influence of Zen Buddhism on American letters and fine arts, from Pound to Cage via Abstract Expressionism. Available as E-mag only due to Covid. Go to URTHONA SHOP on top menu to purchase. Click cover image here for FREE 7 page sample of full 72 pages.
Author Archives: urthonamag
T. S. Eliot – Ends and beginnings
I don’t normally share newspaper items, but on the eve of the final chapter of Brexit I found this post about T. S. Eliot poignant… https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/dec/27/ts-eliot-words-of-hope-for-uk-leavers-and-remainers-alike
Magnificence of Monteverdi
Preview of issue 35: Ratnagarbha on recent Monteverdi releases
Just posted: an introduction to Homer’s Iliad by Dharmavadana
The Iliad on urthona literature pages
Three Cosmogenic Myths
Just Published: from Ratnagarbha, an in depth essay of comparative mythology in the spirit of Joseph Campbell, comparing the foundational cosmic mythos of Buddhism, Platonism and Gnosticism. A fascinating look at how ancient stories about the origin of the cosmos have influenced different civilisations. https://urthona.com/culture-science-society/three-cosmogenic-myths/
Cambridge Edgelands
A journey into the scruffy outer zones of Cambridge, with camera in hand. Click below… CAMBRIDGE EDGELANDS
Four Buddhist Composers
Contemporary composers who are strongly influenced by Buddhism are not often featured in the music press, but there are several very talented figures working currently. Here are four to note: Akashadeva – David Earl
Auden for now?
https://www.lbc.org.uk/information/poetry-east.html Coming up on the 15th of February at Poetry East, the London Buddhist Centre, an exploration of Auden’s great poem of political fears and disenchantment: ‘September 1st, 1939’, with Ian Samson who has recently published a book dedicated to an in-depth exploration of the poem. But what would that great poet of politicalContinue reading “Auden for now?”
Black Mountain Blues
Optic Nerve is a Blakean project based in South London. Largely self-funded they are producing fascinating videos about poetry and contemporary music. Especially the black mountain poets and the Objectivist poets of 20th century America. And from Britain material on Elaine Feinstein – her ‘Song of Power’. I also highly recommend the interview with ‘theContinue reading “Black Mountain Blues”
American Zen issue
Urthona goes zen for our next issue due out next summer. American Zen. Buddhism and in particular Zen have had a profound influence on on American arts and literature over the last 100 years. We plan to cover: * Buddhism and American poetry from Ezra Pound to Jane Hirshfield. And the Beats of course. *Continue reading “American Zen issue”
