Weaving Zen Threads into Beat Tapestries: Diane di Prima's Open Form Experimentation

Abstract

As a doyenne of the Beat Generation, Diane di Prima's literary trajectory epitomizes the movement's philosophical evolution. While the Beats' initial pursuit of liberation through Dionysian excess manifested in sexual liberation, substance experimentation, and performative rebellion which constituted an illusive union between existential angst and utopian idealism, di Prima's engagement with Zen Buddhism catalyzed a paradigmatic shift. This epistemological rupture transcended the Western dialectical tradition, embracing instead the Buddhist principles of "enlightenment, emptiness, interdependence, and compassion". This study aims to trace the Beats' spiritual negotiation with and poetic appropriation of Zen Buddhism through diving into the Buddhist imprint in di Prima's open form creation as the poet abandons western binaries and poses as an enlightened intuitive perceiver, impermanent mindful syncretist and compassionate ecological protector. The non-dual Zen ideas cooperate well with her open form poetics which emphasizes the interaction among the poet, the poem and the reader, the body engagement in poetry composition, and the dependent relationship between human and nature.

Keywords

Beat Generation / Zen Buddhism / Open Form / Diane di Prima

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