День Седьмой. Alexey Uminskiy
YouTube
Fr. Alexey Uminsky Reads Taneda Santōka: Poetry of Ordinary Grace
1:02
What the video says
The speaker reads from the poetry of Taneda Santōka, noting how seemingly simple and ordinary lines about drinking sake, nature, and an ant on an eyelash bring profound joy and peace. They describe these poems as an essential tranquilizer that provides hope and the assurance that the world is in God's hands.
Key moments
- Introduces reading Taneda Santōka and quotes a poem: 'Drinking, drinking sake. Blossoms on the branches, buds on the trees. An ant wanders across my eyelash.' Notes the words seem almost meaningless.
- Describes the poems as ordinary lines that can be opened anywhere and read with amazing joy, acting as the most essential tranquilizer, giving hope, joy, and assurance that the world is in God's hands.
In this episode of "Reading Books with Fr. Alexey Uminsky," the priest introduces the Japanese poet-monk Taneda Santōka, who remains largely unknown to Russian-speaking audiences. Santōka's poetry is characterized by its simplicity, conversational tone, and tactile immediacy. Fr. Alexey reads a representative poem: "Drinking, drinking sake.
Blossoms on the branches, buds on the trees. An ant wanders across my eyelash." He reflects on how these seemingly mundane lines — depicting everyday moments like drinking, observing nature, or noticing a tiny insect — open a space of profound joy and peace.
The discussion emphasizes that Santōka's work teaches us to see beauty in the most ordinary circumstances and to accept life as it is. The poems function as a kind of essential spiritual tranquilizer, providing hope, joy, and the quiet assurance that the world rests in God's hands. The post invites viewers to engage with this poetic vision through the ongoing series, which is supported via various subscription platforms.
Main points
- Fr. Alexey Uminsky introduces the Japanese poet-monk Taneda Santōka, little known in Russian circles.
- Santōka's poems are simple, conversational, and tactile, finding beauty in everyday moments.
- A sample poem about drinking sake, blossoms, and an ant on an eyelash is read and discussed.
- The poetry acts as a spiritual tranquilizer, offering hope, joy, and trust in God's providence.
- The episode is part of the "Reading Books with Fr. Alexey Uminsky" series.