Guru Viking Podcast

In this interview I am joined by John Brehm, American poet and author of ‘The Dharma of Poetry’. John recalls his early life in Nebraska, formation as an unlikely poet, use of psychedelics, and discovery of the aesthetic impulse. John reads ‘Non-Harming’, a poem from his latest book ‘Dharma Talk’, and reflects on the use of poetry for personal and religious edification, as well as the power of exposing one’s darker dimensions in verse. John also discusses how to achieve profundity in poetry, the skilful use of language, why T.S. Eliot is so often criticised, and how to detect the unmistakable whiff of ego. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep230-the-dharma-of-poetry-john-brehm
 Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics include: 00:00 - Intro 00:49 - A controversial poem 02:58 - Self awareness of one’s foibles 04:21 - How poets present themselves 04:56 - Ikkyu 05:21 - Making the sinful sacred 07:02 - Overly solemn poetry readings 07:52