Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Start your free trial
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
Sky Above, Great Wind summary
Brief summary
Sky Above, Great Wind by Kazuaki Tanahashi is a collection of haiku poems by the renowned Zen master Ryokan. It offers a glimpse into his deep connection with nature and his profound insights into the human experience.
Topics
Table of Contents
Sky Above, Great Wind
Summary of key ideas
Embracing Simplicity and Nature
In Sky Above, Great Wind by Kazuaki Tanahashi, we delve into the world of Ryokan, a Zen monk who lived a simple, unadorned life in the mountains of Japan. The book is a collection of Ryokan's poetry, calligraphy, and anecdotes that provide us with a glimpse into his unique perspective on life. Ryokan's life was characterized by his deep love for nature and his rejection of materialistic pursuits.
Ryokan's poetry reflects his deep connection with the natural world. He often wrote about the beauty of the changing seasons, the tranquility of the mountains, and the simplicity of rural life. His poems are imbued with a sense of gratitude and awe for the world around him, and they encourage us to slow down, appreciate the present moment, and find joy in the small things.
Life of a Reclusive Monk
The book also sheds light on Ryokan's reclusive lifestyle. He chose to live in a small, thatched-roof hut, away from the distractions of the world. He found contentment in leading a minimalist life, owning only a few simple possessions. His choice of seclusion was not a result of misanthropy, but rather a conscious decision to live a life free from worldly attachments and distractions, allowing him to focus on his spiritual pursuits and artistic expressions.
Despite his reclusive nature, Ryokan was known for his compassionate heart. He often welcomed visitors to his hut, sharing his meager meals and engaging in conversations about Zen and life. His interactions with people, though infrequent, were marked by kindness and wisdom, leaving a lasting impression on those who were fortunate enough to meet him.
Artistic Expressions and Humor
In addition to his poetry, Ryokan was also an accomplished calligrapher. His calligraphic works, often created using unconventional tools like twigs and his fingers, were a reflection of his spontaneous and unpretentious nature. His art, like his poetry, was a celebration of simplicity and imperfection, embracing the beauty of the unrefined and the natural.
Surprisingly, amidst his profound Zen wisdom and ascetic lifestyle, Ryokan was also known for his sense of humor. The book shares several anecdotes that depict his playful and lighthearted nature. He would often mock the formalities of the traditional Zen establishment, choosing to live his life as a free-spirited, unconventional monk.
Legacy and Inspiration
Despite his unorthodox approach to Zen, Ryokan's teachings and artistic expressions continue to inspire people around the world. His life and work remind us of the importance of simplicity, humility, and a deep connection with nature. He encourages us to look beyond material possessions and societal expectations, and instead, find joy and contentment in the present moment and the beauty of the natural world.
In conclusion, Sky Above, Great Wind offers us an intimate portrait of Ryokan, a monk who lived an extraordinary life of simplicity and authenticity. Through his poetry, calligraphy, and anecdotes, he shares his unique perspective on Zen and life, leaving us with timeless lessons on embracing imperfection, finding joy in the ordinary, and living a life of profound contentment.
How do we create content on this page?
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is Sky Above, Great Wind about?
Sky Above, Great Wind is a collection of the insightful and thought-provoking poetry of Zen master Ryokan. Through his simple yet profound verses, Ryokan invites us to contemplate the beauty of nature, the impermanence of life, and the importance of living in the present moment. This book offers a glimpse into the wisdom of a renowned Zen monk and inspires readers to find peace and clarity in their own lives.
Sky Above, Great Wind Review
Sky Above, Great Wind (2019) is a poetic and meditative exploration of the ancient Japanese art of calligraphy by Kazuaki Tanahashi. Here's why this book is a captivating read:
- Explores the spiritual and philosophical aspects of calligraphy, offering profound insights into the connection between art and Zen practice.
- Illustrates Tanahashi's deep understanding of calligraphy as a form of meditation and expression of the self, adding depth and richness to the art form.
- Through beautiful visual representations and thoughtful reflections, it immerses readers in the world of calligraphy, ensuring an enriching and enlightening experience.
Who should read Sky Above, Great Wind?
Individuals interested in Zen philosophy and poetry
Readers seeking a peaceful and introspective experience
Those looking for a deeper understanding of mindfulness and simplicity
Categories with Sky Above, Great Wind
Book summaries like Sky Above, Great Wind
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.7 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
32 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
Sky Above, Great Wind FAQs
What is the main message of Sky Above, Great Wind?
The main message of Sky Above, Great Wind emphasizes the beauty of impermanence and living in the present moment.
How long does it take to read Sky Above, Great Wind?
Reading Sky Above, Great Wind takes a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in a few minutes.
Is Sky Above, Great Wind a good book? Is it worth reading?
Sky Above, Great Wind is worth reading for its profound reflections on nature and mindfulness, offering a unique perspective on life.
Who is the author of Sky Above, Great Wind?
The author of Sky Above, Great Wind is Kazuaki Tanahashi.
What to read after Sky Above, Great Wind?
If you're wondering what to read next after Sky Above, Great Wind, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- God Is Not Great by Christopher Hitchens
- The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle
- The Art of Happiness by Dalai Lama
- On Being by Peter Atkins
- The Biology of Belief by Bruce H. Lipton
- Buddha’s Brain by Rick Hanson
- Choose Yourself by James Altucher
- Going Clear by Lawrence Wright
- The Power of No by James Altucher and Claudia Azula Altucher
- The Demon-Haunted World by Carl Sagan