In Japan, there is a traditional poem known as 辞世, jisei, or death poem. With origins in Zen Buddhism, such poems are written by authors, often samurai or monks, as they approach their final days. These poems highlight themes of impermanence and transience, concepts central to Zen Buddhism. Like other aspects of Japanese culture, Buddhist spirituality emphasizes the importance of death as an integral part of life. Each year Wy’East Zen Center welcomes in the new year by writing our own death poems. Please join us for our 8th annual Death Poetry Slam! See previous years’ death poems HERE.