Zen in Borges’ Poetry
The Eternal Human Experience in Borges’ Poetry
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I haven’t read much work by the great literary masters, but the genre that captivates me the most is fantasy and science fiction. I have an insatiable thirst for Western fantasies, always believing that worlds of dragons and dungeons, elves and dwarves, magic and swords are the true realities; the seemingly unrealistic settings hide the profound truths of this vast world.
After becoming acquainted with Jung, I realized that this is indeed the case. As someone with an INFP personality type, my intuitive introverted function makes it easy to perceive the reality behind this veil of illusions. After his break with Freud, Jung plunged into the study of the unconscious, documenting dreams and writing The Red Book.
My first encounter with “The Red Book” was in a library by Dushu Lake in Suzhou, attracted by its bright red cover, and shocked by its beauty, though I could not understand a word. Ten years later, owning a copy of “The Red Book” myself, I was again astounded by how Jung could transmit messages to me across time so accurately.
When I first encountered Borges, my superficial perception was that “Borges is a tool used by numerous literary youths to demonstrate their insight and taste.” Ignorant as I was, I labeled Borges with tags like “language, concept, left-brain,” and thus kept my distance.
A few days ago, I read Borges’ “Mirrors and Masks” on a social media platform, and read about the fate of the king and the poet, discussing the three realms of language with exquisite metaphors.
Only then did I realize that Borges is one of us. His brain, like our intuitive introverted personalities, is weaving the unconscious, cloaking the world in the twilight of linguistic truth; it operates non-linearly, attempting to express truths precisely with linear language and concepts.
Daring to write about Borges doesn’t mean I understand him or that I can fully comprehend his works. I am simply following my feelings, writing down what flows in my heart, Writing Down The Bones.
Jorge Luis Borges, an Argentine writer and poet, is widely known for his complex narratives and profound philosophical insights. While Borges is often associated with themes of infinity, labyrinths, and mirrors, his work also subtly intersects with Zen principles.
Zen Buddhism, characterized by its emphasis on meditation, direct experience, and the cultivation of wisdom beyond words, finds a unique resonance in Borges’ poetry.
Embracing the Paradox
One of the core aspects of Zen is the use of paradoxes to transcend logical thinking and encourage a deeper, intuitive understanding. Borges’ poetry frequently employs paradoxes as a literary technique, driving readers to question their perceptions of reality and truth.
For example, in his poem “The Golem,” Borges explores the idea of the creation of a creature that is both a part of and apart from its creator, reflecting Zen’s focus on the interconnectedness of all things and the illusion of duality.
The Golem
Jorge Luis Borges — 1958
Translated by James Honzik
…
Gradually it was seen to be (as we are)
imprisoned in a reverberating net of
Before, Later, Yesterday, While, Now, Right, Left,
I, You, Those, Others…
…
The Quest for Enlightenment
Zen Buddhism is centered on the quest for enlightenment, a state of insight into the true nature of existence. Borges’ fascination with metaphysical themes often mirrors this spiritual pursuit. In poems like “The Other Tiger,” he reflects on the nature of reality and the limitations of language, which are significant themes in Zen.
The poem contemplates the existence of a real tiger and its literary representation, suggesting that both are elusive and ultimately unknowable — a concept that aligns with the Zen teaching of the fundamental emptiness of all phenomena.
The Other Tiger
By Jorge Luis Borges Translated by Harold Morland
…
We shall seek a third tiger. This
Will be like those others a shape
Of my dreaming, a system of words
A man makes and not the vertebrate tiger
That, beyond the mythologies,
…
Simplicity and Minimalism
Zen aesthetics value simplicity and minimalism, principles which are evident in Borges’ poetic style. His concise use of language and the sparse, yet potent imagery in poems like “Limits” exhibit this minimalist approach. Borges has the ability to convey deep and complex ideas with just a few carefully chosen words, a technique that is highly reminiscent of the Zen kōan (a paradoxical anecdote or riddle used in Zen practice to provoke enlightenment).
Limits
By Jorge Luis Borges Translated by A.Z. Foreman
…
There with its cactus and cemented urns
Whose entry is forbidden to my feet
As in a lithograph. Nothing returns:
You’ve bolted shut a certain door forever;
A mirror waits in vain, expecting you…
The Impermanence of All Things
Another key principle of Zen Buddhism is the impermanence of all things. Borges’ poetry often reflects on the transient nature of the world, capturing the fleeting moments of life and the inevitable decay of memory, beauty, and existence itself. For instance, in “Everness,” Borges discusses the concept of eternity as understood through the prism of impermanence, a paradoxical view that perfectly encapsulates Zen teachings on the ever-changing nature of reality.
Everness
By Jorge Luis Borges
Translated by A.Z. Foreman
One thing does not exist: Oblivion.
God saves the metal and the dross, his key
…
Of doors that shut behind as you walk through;
Only from sunset’s farther side shall you
Behold at last the Archetypes and Splendors.
Jorge Luis Borges wove the principles of Zen into his poetry with the finesse of a master spellcaster, casting a spell that allowed Eastern philosophy to weave its enchanting threads through the rich tapestry of Western literary tradition.
His playful dance with paradox, his quest for enlightenment, and the minimalist elegance of his style all serve as a magical gateway to a deeper understanding of his work and the enduring allure that it holds.
