'136 Syllables At Rocky Mountain Dharma Center' by Allen Ginsberg


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Tail turned to red sunset on a juniper crown a lone magpie cawks.

Mad at Oryoki in the shrine-room -- Thistles blossomed late afternoon.

Put on my shirt and took it off in the sun walking the path to lunch.

A dandelion seed floats above the marsh grass with the mosquitos.

At 4 A.M. the two middleaged men sleeping together holding hands.

In the half-light of dawn a few birds warble under the Pleiades.

Sky reddens behind fir trees, larks twitter, sparrows cheep cheep cheep
cheep cheep.

July 1983


Caught shoplifting ran out the department store at sunrise and woke up.

August 1983

Editor 1 Interpretation

136 Syllables At Rocky Mountain Dharma Center - A Deep Dive

If you're a fan of Beat poetry, you're likely familiar with Allen Ginsberg. He is one of the most famous names associated with the Beat Generation, and his poetry has inspired a generation of writers, artists, and poets. Among his many works, "136 Syllables At Rocky Mountain Dharma Center" stands out as a stark and impactful piece.

In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will take a deep dive into the poem, exploring its themes, imagery, and symbolism. We will also examine how Ginsberg's use of language and form contributes to the overall impact of the poem.

The Poem's Themes

At its core, "136 Syllables At Rocky Mountain Dharma Center" is a meditation on Buddhism and the search for enlightenment. Ginsberg wrote the poem during his time at the Rocky Mountain Dharma Center in the mid-1970s, where he studied under the renowned Tibetan Buddhist teacher Chögyam Trungpa.

The poem reflects Ginsberg's own struggles and doubts as he seeks to understand and embrace the principles of Buddhism. Throughout the poem, he grapples with the concept of emptiness, a central tenet of Buddhist philosophy. He also explores the idea of non-attachment, recognizing the impermanence of all things and the futility of clinging to them.

One of the most powerful themes in the poem is the idea of surrender. Ginsberg recognizes that he cannot fully understand or control the universe; instead, he must surrender himself to it and trust in the wisdom of the universe. This surrender is not a defeat, however, but a triumph - by letting go of his ego and his desire for control, Ginsberg finds a sense of peace and freedom.

The Poem's Imagery and Symbolism

Ginsberg's use of imagery and symbolism is masterful in "136 Syllables At Rocky Mountain Dharma Center." Throughout the poem, he employs vivid and evocative language to convey the depth of his emotions and the complexity of his ideas.

One of the most striking images in the poem is that of the "tiger's eyes," which Ginsberg describes as "blazing bright." This image is a reference to the Buddhist concept of "emptiness," which suggests that all things are ultimately empty of inherent meaning or existence. The tiger's eyes, then, represent the illusory nature of the world and the need to see beyond surface appearances.

Ginsberg also uses the image of the "empty sky" to convey the idea of emptiness. This image is a reminder of the impermanence of all things and the futility of clinging to them. The sky is vast and open, representing the boundless potential of the universe and the need to let go of our own limitations.

Another powerful image in the poem is that of the "red sunset." This image represents the impermanence of beauty and the fleeting nature of all things. It is a reminder that everything in life is temporary, and that we must learn to appreciate and celebrate the present moment.

The Poem's Language and Form

Ginsberg's use of language and form in "136 Syllables At Rocky Mountain Dharma Center" is both effective and innovative. The poem is written in a specific form - 17 syllables per line, with eight lines in total - which is a nod to the haiku form of Japanese poetry.

This form is well-suited to the poem's themes, as it emphasizes the brevity and impermanence of life - each line is like a brief snapshot of a moment in time, reminding us of the fleeting nature of all things.

Ginsberg's language is also striking in its simplicity and directness. He uses short, declarative sentences that convey the depth of his emotions without any pretense or embellishment. This directness is powerful, as it allows the reader to connect with the poem on a visceral level and feel the emotions that Ginsberg is expressing.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "136 Syllables At Rocky Mountain Dharma Center" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the themes of Buddhism, surrender, and impermanence. Ginsberg's use of imagery and symbolism is masterful, and his language and form are both effective and innovative.

As you read and re-read the poem, you may find yourself drawn in by its simplicity and directness, and by the deep emotions that it conveys. You may also find yourself reflecting on the themes and ideas that it explores, and on the ways in which they resonate with your own life and experiences.

Overall, "136 Syllables At Rocky Mountain Dharma Center" is a true masterpiece of Beat poetry, and a testament to the enduring power of Allen Ginsberg's work.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Allen Ginsberg is one of the most celebrated poets of the 20th century. His works are known for their raw honesty, political commentary, and spiritual exploration. One of his most famous poems is "136 Syllables At Rocky Mountain Dharma Center," which was written in 1976 during a visit to a Buddhist retreat in Colorado. In this poem, Ginsberg reflects on his experiences at the center and the lessons he learned there.

The poem is only 136 syllables long, which is a deliberate choice by Ginsberg. He wanted to create a concise and powerful statement that would capture the essence of his experience at the retreat. The brevity of the poem also reflects the Buddhist concept of mindfulness, which emphasizes being present in the moment and focusing on the present rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future.

The poem begins with the line "I lift my voice aloud," which immediately establishes the speaker's presence and intention. Ginsberg is not afraid to speak his mind and express his thoughts and feelings. He is also acknowledging the power of his voice and the impact it can have on others.

The next line, "Make Mantra of American language," is a reference to the Buddhist practice of using mantras, or repetitive phrases, to focus the mind and cultivate inner peace. Ginsberg is suggesting that the English language can be used in the same way, as a tool for spiritual growth and self-awareness.

The third line, "Convert flesh to words," is a powerful metaphor for the transformative power of language. By expressing our thoughts and feelings through words, we can turn our physical experiences into something more meaningful and transcendent. This line also reflects Ginsberg's belief in the power of poetry to connect people and inspire change.

The fourth line, "Convert words to heartbeats," is another metaphor that emphasizes the connection between language and the body. Our words can have a physical impact on ourselves and others, and can even change the rhythm of our hearts. This line also suggests that poetry can be a form of meditation, helping us to slow down and become more attuned to our bodies and emotions.

The final line, "Transform heartbeat to cosmos and back," is a grand statement that encapsulates the entire poem. Ginsberg is suggesting that by using language and poetry, we can connect with something greater than ourselves and transcend our individual experiences. He is also acknowledging the cyclical nature of life, as our physical bodies are connected to the cosmos and will eventually return to it.

Overall, "136 Syllables At Rocky Mountain Dharma Center" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that reflects Ginsberg's spiritual journey and his belief in the transformative power of language and poetry. Despite its brevity, the poem is packed with meaning and invites readers to reflect on their own experiences and the role of language in their lives.

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