Hojoki

Hojoki is an extended meditation on the impermanence of the world and the dangers of attachment. Written by the reclusive monk Kamo no Chomei at the dawn of the thirteenth century, this classic work of Japanese literature is celebrated for its lyrical beauty and philosophical depth. Using the house as a metaphor for worldly attachment, Chomei encourages readers not to cling to possessions, status, and social recognition. Simplicity and self-reliance, he argues, are the keys to...
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Hojoki is an extended meditation on the impermanence of the world and the dangers of attachment. Written by the reclusive monk Kamo no Chomei at the dawn of the thirteenth century, this classic work of Japanese literature is celebrated for its lyrical beauty and philosophical depth. Using the house as a metaphor for worldly attachment, Chomei encourages readers not to cling to possessions, status, and social recognition. Simplicity and self-reliance, he argues, are the keys to extinguishing desire and finding peace. Although Hojoki is unmistakably inspired by Buddhist ideas from another place and time, its message is universal and timeless. This fourth edition includes the original Japanese verse and English translation, presented as parallel text. Historical maps and annotations enhance the book's academic value, while illustrations by Reginald Jackson add striking visual power to Chomei's narrative of loss and transcendence. The companion website provides digital resources and learning materials: www.vicuslusorum.com/hojoki