T-Ö Erdenetsogt (b1971 who, like yesterdays hero Bavuudorj, is heavily influenced by Buddhism, was one of the cofounders of the BISHÜBI (an acronym for three words which roughly translate as "worshipping wisdom") movement during the late 1980s. He has published a couple of books of poetry including Setgelin ogtorgui (my translation of which, Sky of Mind, was published last year). Today's download constitutes about half of that manuscript, and shows the influence both of Buddhism and of the work of the c19 writer Danzanravjaa. Notice how frequently these poems contain elements of prayer and spirtual aspiration: the Mongolian original of this book contained pictures of Erdenetsogt praying before an altar, and it is highly unusual for Mongolian writers to acknowledge religious or spiritual affiliation.
Erdenetsogt now lives with his wife and young daughter in Dublin, Ireland. Unfortunately, I have no pictures of him, but I do have the following image, of me holding his daughter last year in the offices of the Mongolian Academy of Poetry and Culture, and that single degree of separation with today's featured poet will have to suffice for now.
Tomorrow: L Ölziitögs
