메리 올리버의 시에 나타난 불교적 마음챙김과 죽음

Abstract

This paper explores the themes of Buddhist mindfulness and the concept of death in Mary Oliver’s poetry. The profound attention, interconnectedness, and understanding of loss and mortality in Oliver’s works strongly resonate with Buddhist philosophy. Buddhism values the pursuit of enlightenment through everyday experiences. Mindfulness involves being fully present and aware of the current moment, perceiving reality as it truly is. Oliver describes experiences of spending entire days walking through fields and connecting with nature, which aligns with the Buddhist practice of valuing the present moment and seeking truth within it. The living beings in Oliver’s poems faithfully fulfill their roles, demonstrating interconnectedness. Oliver’s reflections on death and loss are closely related to the Buddhist concept of impermanence. Impermanence suggests that everything, including human life, is subject to change and must evolve, with death being an integral part of this process. Death is an unavoidable and natural aspect of every person’s life. Beliefs about the afterlife can influence the meaning and purpose one attributes to their current life.