UOG Memories: A Connection Between (Educational) Psychology and Poetry Yukiko Inoue-Smith, PhD Professor Emerita of Educational Psychology

Abstract

My most important goal in life is to realize “absolute” happiness. To do so, according to Buddhist teachings, we must leave behind three poisonous worldly passions: attachment to what we want, anger, and envy. Of course, growing beyond these poisons completely is difficult for anyone: almost impossible. Life is full of hardships, so that in some environments, even survival itself is a challenge. Academia is no exception. Just as strong my passion for teaching and research, tanka poetry is an area that I have invested much passion and commitment. Even so, tanka was a “tool” for me to survive in the jungle named “academia.” Like keeping a diary, I have written poems based on my feelings, including sadness, despair, and anger. Now that I have retired, from now on, I am going to write tanka for my own enjoyment, not as a tactic for survival.