Kokoro: Hints and Echoes of Japanese Inner Life


Lu par Expatriate

(4.5 stars; 22 reviews)

In an introductory paragraph, Lafcadio Hearn declares his intention: "The papers composing this volume treat of the inner rather than of the outer life of Japan, for which reason they have been grouped under the title Kokoro (heart). Written with the above character, this word signifies also mind, in the emotional sense; spirit; courage; resolve; sentiment; affection; and inner meaning, just as we say in English, "the heart of things."" The result is a highly eclectic collection of stories, diary entries, cultural essays, and collected traditional texts that illustrate not only the state of Japanese society in the 1890s but also the endlessly fascinating issue of the intersection of cultures as demonstrated in a Westerner's interpretations of what he observed in Japan. As much is revealed about the Western mind as the Japanese mind whenever such an intersection occurs. - Summary by Expatriate (7 hr 57 min)

Chapitres

At a Railway Station 7:51 Lu par Expatriate
The Genius of Japanese Civilization, Pt. 1 22:10 Lu par Expatriate
The Genius of Japanese Civilization, Pt. 2 18:14 Lu par Expatriate
A Street Singer 8:15 Lu par Expatriate
From a Traveling Diary 27:49 Lu par Expatriate
The Nun of the Temple of Amida 16:42 Lu par Expatriate
After the War 25:25 Lu par Expatriate
Haru 12:14 Lu par Expatriate
A Glimpse of Tendencies, Pt. 1 22:03 Lu par Expatriate
A Glimpse of Tendencies, Pt. 2 20:26 Lu par Expatriate
By Force of Karma 16:53 Lu par Expatriate
A Conservative, Pt. 1 22:00 Lu par Expatriate
A Conservative, Pt. 2 26:21 Lu par Expatriate
In the Twilight of the Gods 12:59 Lu par Expatriate
The Idea of Pre-Existence, Pt. 1 23:47 Lu par Expatriate
The Idea of Pre-Existence, Pt. 2 22:30 Lu par Expatriate
In Cholera-Time 9:41 Lu par Expatriate
Some Thoughts About Ancestor-Worship, Pt. 1 24:43 Lu par Expatriate
Some Thoughts About Ancestor-Worship, Pt. 2 24:43 Lu par Expatriate
Kimiko 21:38 Lu par Expatriate
Appendix 1: Three Popular Ballads (Intro.) 18:21 Lu par Expatriate
Appendix 2: The Ballad of Shuntoku-Maru 22:18 Lu par Expatriate
Appendix 3: The Ballad of Oguri-Hangwan, Pt. 1 21:58 Lu par Expatriate
Appendix 3: The Ballad of Oguri-Hangwan, Pt. 2 23:50 Lu par Expatriate
Appendix 4: The Ballad of O-Shichi, the Daughter of the Yaoya 4:26 Lu par Expatriate

Critiques

Subjective but interesting


(3 stars)

This is an interesting book by Lafcadio Hearn, although it comes across as being more about his take on Japanese traditions particularly those of ancestor worship. Thanks to volunteer for good clear reading. For those wanting a more informative account of Japanese history and culture I highly recommend "Japan: an attempt at interpretation" by same author. it's much longer but worth the effort.

ok


(3 stars)

worth listening to. reader was clear.