Poet James Cagney on his book 'Ghetto Koans: A Personal Archive' episode artwork

EPISODE · Feb 24, 2026 · 7 MIN

Poet James Cagney on his book 'Ghetto Koans: A Personal Archive'

from Crosscurrents · host KALW

A koan is a Japanese word for a paradox or riddle that can’t be solved. Koans are used to train Zen Buddhists to release dependence on reason, and gain spiritual enlightenment. The word inspired Oakland poet James Cagney’s latest book “Ghetto Koans: A Personal Archive.” 

A koan is a Japanese word for a paradox or riddle that can’t be solved. Koans are used to train Zen Buddhists to release dependence on reason, and gain spiritual enlightenment. The word inspired Oakland poet James Cagney’s latest book “Ghetto Koans: A Personal Archive.”

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Poet James Cagney on his book 'Ghetto Koans: A Personal Archive'

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A koan is a Japanese word for a paradox or riddle that can’t be solved. Koans are used to train Zen Buddhists to release dependence on reason, and gain spiritual enlightenment. The word inspired Oakland poet James Cagney’s latest book “Ghetto Koans:...

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