Essays in Idleness - Part 1

designed, performed, and produced by Tei Blow

Essays in Idleness is a collection of short writings by Yoshida Kenko, a poet and Buddhist priest living in the 14th century. Living in monastic isolation within the confines of Kyoto, he set himself to writing 243 short observations, which he pasted to the walls of his house. The writings were later compiled into a book after his death. Much credit is given to this book for its contribution to the Japanese aesthetic, as it focuses on the beauty of nature, social rules, Zen Buddhism, and the concept of impermanence.

“I have been fascinated by this book as it is an essential reading for any Japanese high school curriculum or Japanese literature program, and attempt to narrate my exploration of the book, the history surrounding it, as well as the relationship Kenko has with the rest of the world and his intellectual legacy in the west.”

-Tei Blow

graphic by Tei Blow