“As a poet,” Snyder tells us, “I hold the most archaic values on earth. They go back to the late Paleolithic; the fertility of the soil, the magic of animals, the power-vision in solitude, the terrifying initiation and rebirth; the love and Ecstasy of the dance, the common work of the tribe.” He develops, as replacement for shattered social structures, a concept of tribal tradition which could lead to “growth and enlightenment in self-disciplined freedom. Whatever is or ever was in any other culture can be reconstructed from the unconscious through meditation . . . the coming revolution will close the circle––and link us in many ways with the most creative aspects of our archaic past.”
~ Gary Snyder, quoted for New Directions – Earth House Hold.
You’ll find a link for Snyder’s essay, Earth House Hold via the New Directions link.
Find more intel and very (always) timely inspiration on “The Wild Mind of Gary Snyder” here.
Big Love,
Featured Image Credit: Roots 2, by Piotr Wojtkowski via PD Pictures.
August 14, 2017 at 6:13 pm
Great quote Jamie, this one resonates with me.
August 14, 2017 at 7:23 pm
It’s one of those insights whose depth continues to unfold, I think. Glad it resonated with you, too, Andrea.
August 15, 2017 at 6:17 pm
Gary Snyder is a brilliant poet, teacher, thinker, and human being. I enjoyed the Lion’s Roar article. Thanks for linking that. And thank you, Jamie. I needed to be reminded to read more Gary Snyder today!
August 15, 2017 at 9:03 pm
You’re welcome, Cheryl. My pleasure. It was a good reminder for me as well! Funny how that happens, isn’t it? 🙂