Haiku - The Sacred Art

This book introduces haiku as a simple and effective way of tapping into the sacred moments that permeate everyday living. Starting with examples and practices that lead to writing a first haiku and then on to an overview of haiku conventions, the author invites us on a path to respond to the holiness that lives and breathes in the world around us. By capturing and writing down images of what makes us aware of holiness - particular moments of deep feeling, moments that make us feel alive and whole - writing haiku becomes a way of relating to the sacred through the 'now' of this moment, just as is. Lively examples and simple guided exercises - such as haiku as prayer, haiku inspired by sacred texts and haiku that reflects religious seasons or holidays - offer a unique spiritual practice for a variety of audiences: Spiritual seekers of any faith who may not have written haiku (or any form of verse) before but are open to exploring wordplay as a new path of spiritual practice People curious about haiku writing who are looking for a simple and meaningful way to begin Writers experienced in haiku writing who are looking for new approaches Groups, teachers and religious leaders who are seeking new and effective methods for group experience and sharing (the book includes suggestions and practices for group use) Prose writers or visual artists who want to explore spiritual imagery they can integrate into their creative work