There many various Eastern philosophies and religions that have similar ideas and concepts. The ground for all these ideas chiefly comes from Hinduism, which is considered to be the oldest known philosophy in the world. Hinduism appeared in India, which is said to be one of the oldest cultures in the world, from antique texts known as Vedas or the book of wisdom. These ancient texts which include ancient hymns and rituals are said by many people to have the essence of Hindu thought. As Hinduism moved east, various interpretations of its ideas were evolved into other philosophies. Consequently, such philosophies as Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism, certainly among others, have a lot of similar cultural characteristic features and ideas. One major cultural feature that truly reveals the way that Easterners or more particularly Hindus think is haiku poetry.
Haiku poetry is thoughtful poems that valorize nature, contrasts and color. Haiku usually consist of three lines and seventeen syllables and are divided in five, seven, five structures. These poems must reflect a moment, impression or sensation of a peculiar fact of nature. Bill Higginson believes that the main purpose of reading or writing Haiku poems consists in sharing moments of people’s lives which have moved us, experience and perception that we give or get as gifts. This is the major purpose for all art if looking at the deepest level.
Basho is a famous Eastern poet who once wrote Haiku poem; he lived from 1644 to 1694. This poem when translated into English sounds as follows:
When I look carefully
I see the nazuna blooming
By the hedge!
It is possible that Basho was just walking along a road when he saw something behind the hedge. He came closer, to take a good look at that thing hiding behind the hedge, and he understood that it was just a wild plant, something that wouldn’t usually be noticed by passers-by.
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