Smokey the Bear Sutra (Masterplots II: Poetry, Revised Edition)
At a glance:
- Author: Gary Snyder
- First Published: 1969
- Type of Work: Narrative
- Genres: Poetry, Narrative poetry
The Poem
Gary Snyder’s “Smokey the Bear Sutra” instructs readers about how humankind may live harmoniously in the natural environment with fellow living things. The characteristics of the ancient Buddha are attributed to Smokey the Bear, a character created by the United States Forest Service, as Snyder playfully explains that Smokey the Bear will enlighten those dedicated to protection of woodlands and waterways and punish those who mock Smokey or oppose his efforts to preserve the environment.
The poem begins 150 million years ago as the Great Sun Buddha...
[The entire page is 1589 words long]
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