Author James Lenfestey lives in Minneapolis. But as he reveals early in “Seeking the Cave: A Pilgrimage to Cold Mountain,” the trip recounted in his poetry-infused memoir began in Greenfield.
In 1974, Charlie Miller, then owner of the World Eye Bookshop, introduced Lenfestey to the poetry of Han-Shan. This reclusive Chinese writer (who may or may not have existed and may or may not have died) was probably born in the 700s. Han-Shan means “Cold Mountain”; the poet took the name from his dwelling.
Lenfestey explains that he fell in love with the simplicity, humor, whimsy and philosophy in the poetry he was given. Over the years he found himself engaging in poetic dialogue with the long dead Han-Shan.
In 2006, Lenfestey gave in to an impulse that had been growing within him for 30 years. He traveled to China to explore the terrain that inspired and housed his idol. “Seeking the Cave” is the story of that journey.
The book begins with a trip to Japan, where Lenfestey and his fellow travelers meet a prominent translator of Chinese poetry into English. The group moves on to China. From there, its members journey many miles from Beijing to the cave in which Han-Shan ended his life.
Along the way, Lenfestey and his friends encounter monks and nuns, teachers and poets, workers and philosophers. They bear witness to the changes in the Chinese landscape and culture over the centuries, moving from smog-filled cities to celestially pure country landscapes.
Above all, they move mentally and physically between the thoughtful realm of Cold Mountain and the commercial chaos of modern China. Jokingly, Lenfestey refers to that nation’s current ruling class as the Ka-Ching Dynasty.
His writing moves seamlessly from descriptions of the journey to the history of the places he visits to humorous recollections of his emotions. Above all, it includes his poetical reactions to the people, the places, and even the food he finds in his lengthy journey across China.
The short poems he offers to readers, like those by Han-Shan quoted in the book, beautifully blend emotion, intellect, sensuality and humor. Their eloquence illustrates and enhances his narrative.
When at the end of the story, Lenfestey returns home to his family, it is clear that his trip has profoundly affected his life and self-identity. The story of his outer and inner journeys is frank, charming, funny, moving and wise.
James Lenfestey will sign copies of “Seeking the Cave” on Friday, April 29, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at the World Eye Bookshop in Greenfield.
Tinky Weisblat is the author of “The Pudding Hollow Cookbook” and “Pulling Taffy.” Visit her website, www.TinkyCooks.com