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G.Mend-Ooyo

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Although the world is hidden within me, everything and every moment opens me:
The universe opens itself through me.

G.Mend-Ooyo “The Connections”
Having only parts of my dreams,
Tasting in my own poetry the very basis of everything that is mine,
Wishing in your heart to tune the strings of inspiration,
Climbing the chasms of high mountains,
Following impassable paths,
Seeking the eternal song of the essence of love, I am coming to you

G.Mend-Ooyo “I am coming to you”
The song upon your lips is upon the hills, the song upon your lips encompasses the world.

G.Mend-Ooyo “The Song”
The sky, broad like a basket for gathering dung,
above the gathered people,
and when the people are singing,
the great sky is calm.

G.Mend-Ooyo “The Sky”
If you come back home after twenty years,
f you dismount at your door, if your mother raises the felt door and comes out,
if the iron curtain were closed before you, what would happen?
Please don`t trap the running horse.

G.Mend-Ooyo “Please don`t trap the running horse”
Please love the lion cub for being a lion.
Walk with the power of the lion, amid the haphazardness of life
Please don't trap the running horse.

G.Mend-Ooyo “Please don`t trap the running horse”
The more I am alone, the deeper I relate to the grasses.
The more I am alone, the closer I converse with the ancestors’ spirits.
The more I am alone, the more I hear the wisdom of the uncreated.
The more I am alone, the closer I am to bright Shambhala.
I am warmed by the force of solitude.

G.Mend-Ooyo
Whenever I am sad, the fallow-dear moves near to me.

Whenever I am sad, Huhdei's ancestors call me from Heaven.

In my sorrow I melt the distance in my mind.

In my sorrow I send it into the mists of the blue sky.

And I make friends with the beauty of sorrow.

G.Mend-Ooyo "Whenever I am sad"
The rider of my fiddle, with its melodic tongue, will never dismount
that most constant and powerful horse which transcends its fate!
Surely I will never get down, from the words I have spoken
to the earth where, exhausted, I step from my horse.

G.Mend-Ooyo "Power of the Words"
The rivers of autumn weeps for my mistakes.
The colors of autumn gild the wolderness of my careless heart.
The dust of every day turns the track of the years to gold.
The dust of the world makes beaten gold from the path of man

G.Mend-Ooyo "...why I love my homeland..."
I shall remain, listening in sadness to our Mongolian melodies,
I shall awaken every morning to the sound of the horse-head fiddle.
I shall live around the stones, guarding the fire of the Mongol home,
I shall shine everywhere upon the hoof-drum steppe.

G Mend-Ooyo “All Shining moments-3”
The world's sadness is hidden in the contours of song.
All that is everyday becomes amazing.

My ears are held by the nightingale's melody.
And the starry sky likewise holds my ears.

G.Mend-Ooyo "The nomadic pattern, or the melody of the pleiades"
I will leave the sadness of time in my few poems,
and, when my descendents call, the white mists move in
Oh, those mists are my mists!
And my bright sorrow which moves away when the tail-wind blows.

G.Mend-Ooyo "White mists, bright melancholy"
The hungry storm, dishevelled and exhausted, rises up.
A day and night of storms, we're used to them upon the plain.
The mount's mane is white like a standard,
And, tired, I gallop against the storm of years

G.Mend-Ooyo "Snowfall tumbles like white stallions"
The nearby cliffs will nonetheless send back an echo you back as an unheard sound. Please believe that, somewhere, someone hears you. In being heard, you are heard across the centuries.

G.Mend-Ooyo "The nomadic pattern, or the melody of the pleiades"
Харанхуй шөнийн бүдэг бадаг дотор л хамаг учир халхлагдаж аглаг хээрийн анир гүм дотор л хамаг аялгуу хадгалагдаж оршмуй. Эс үзэгдэгч зүг тийш, үл сонсогдох аялгуун жимээр одмуй.

Г.Мэнд-Ооёо “Нүүдэллэх тиг буюу мичдийн аялгуу”
A nomad is coming . . . the living sacred images of childhood and the old folk together with the carts of the nomadic journey become clearer, the sacred epics that have become blurred over the course of time awaken, the blue birds of thought that entered the mind and were once forgotten, are now flying to me again.

G.Mend-Ooyo "My gentle lyric"
I come together with a distant point in time, like the two ends of a single thread,in my mind I am talking with someone I have never met, and I sense that there is some reason why all things, dissimilar and at different times, are blessèd.

G.Mend-Ooyo "Altan Ovoo"
Please love the wolf cub
for being a wolf.
Please move with a wolf`s mind
in this world of wolfish hearts.
Please don't trap the running horse.

G.Mend-Ooyo “Please don`t trap the running horse”

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Biography

The Mongolian poet G.Mend-Ooyo was born and raised in a nomadic herding family, where his life cons...

G.Mend-Ooyo

Biography

The Mongolian poet G.Mend-Ooyo was born and raised in a nomadic herding family, where his life consisted of the endless steppe, the blue sky and the stars, livestock, swift horses, the long-song, folk stories and camel caravans....He began writing poetry at thirteen, and has published some forty books or poetry, essays and fiction. His work has been translated into about forty languages.
Mend-Ooyo is also active in other areas of Mongolian culture. Since 2006, he has organised an annual exhibition of calligraphy, and between 1990 and 1996 he was involved in the development of the "Mijid Chenrezig" complex, which united Mongolian history and culture. Mend-Ooyo is one of the principal figures in Mongolia involved in the revival of traditional script culture and artistic techniques, and in the study and protection of cultural heritage.
Many commentators have pointed out that, in addition to clearly reflecting in his work the idea of safeguarding the earth and the natural world, Mend-Ooyo expresses with his gentle melodies the exquisite riches of the Mongolian language and of the nomadic worldview. Mend-Ooyo's writings deal with the life of Mongolia’s nomadic herders, their culture and cultural knowledge. In his style and thematic material, he seeks to express the melody and richness of the Mongol language and nomadic society. His works has been translated into over fifty languages.

His novel Gegeenten (The Holy One) received “Golden Feather” annual award for Novel of the Year, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia 2012. His last novel Shiliin Bogd (Sacred Hill) published in March of 2015.Mend-Ooyo has been awarded many prizes from literary organizations around the world. He received the Poet Laureate (with Golden Crown), highest poetry award from World Congress of Poets, Budapest, Hungary 2009 and has been awarded Grand Prize of the Mihai Eminescu International Academy, Romania 2014.

In 2015 he received the Order of Chinggis Khaan, the highest honor of Mongolia, by the declaration of Mongolian President.

Biography

Curriculum Vitae

1970 Pedagogical College 1974-1978 Mongolian Educational University 1996 Master degree, University of Arts and Cu...

Studies and Degrees, Positions
Books Poetry
Children's Books
Research Books
Drama and Film
Song Lyrics
Publications in Mongolian
Publications in English
Participation in Poetry Events
Organizer of Poetry and Cultural Events in Mongolia
Articles, Presentations and Speeches
Awards and Honors
Zen and Poetry Forum
International Arts and Calligraphy Exhibition
World Poetry Days in Mongolia
Essays and Novels

Studies and Degrees, Positions

1970 Pedagogical College
1974-1978 Mongolian Educational University
1996 Master degree, University of Arts and Culture, Mongolia
2002 Doctorate of Literature, World Academy of Arts and Culture
2008 Professor of Arts and Culture, Institute of International Studies, Mongolian Academy of Sciences

Positions

1970-1974 Elementary school teacher, ZamiinUud village, Dornogovi province
1978-1988 Editor-in-chief, Arts and Cultural Program, Mongolian Radio and Television
1988-1990 Professional writer, Mongolian Writer’s Union
1990-1996 Project Leader, Reconstruction of Migjed Janraisag complex in Ulaanbaatar
1990-2000 Member of National Committee of UNESCO
1990-1998 Executive Director, Vice-President, President, Mongolian Cultural Foundation
1998-2000 Chairman, Government Agency, Culture and Arts
since 2004 Founder and Board member, Mongolian Art Council
since 2005 Founder and Editor-in-chief of “GUNU”, a culture, literature & poetry magazine
since 2005 President of the Mongolian Academy of Culture and Poetry
2006 President of the XXVI World Congress of Poets in Mongolia.

Vitae

References

About G.Mend-Ooyo

I would like to add that I consider you to be a poet of the first order. Your poem “I am coming to You” thrilled my heart and soul. You are “seeking for the eternal song the essence of love.” You are not only a poet but also a genuine seeker of the highest Truth. I do hope that we may one day meet together in your beloved Mongolia.

The Edwin Mellen Press, “The Interrelationship Humans and the Mongol land in G.Mend-Ooyo’s ALTAN OVOO” by Simon Wickhamsmith, February 2013, 466 pages, 2013, USA, ISBN 9780773444171 Library of Control Number: 2013934153 http://www.mellenpress.com/mellenpress.cfm?bookid=8815&pc=9
The Wall Street Journal, “Poet fights to maintain Mongolia’s Nomadic culture” by Kit Gillet, Feb, 07, 2013 http://blogs.wsj.com/scene/tag/gombojavyn-mend-ooyo, http://blogs.wsj.com/scene/2013/02/07/at-odds-with-mongolias-modernity-a-poet-seeks-another-way, http://www.kitgillet.com/?p=1569
The Paris Review, “G.Mend-Ooyo, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia” series of World Windows, March 1, 2013, by Matteo Pericoli, www.theparisreview.org/blog/tag/g-mend-ooyo/
International Pen Uyghur Center, “The poet’s achievement, separate from time” by B. Magsarjav, critic, Mongolia, 2011
Saint-Petersburg State University, “Old legends in modern literature: mystical enchantment of G.Mend-Ooyo’s works” by Maria Petrova, Russia,2010 http://www.ergon-verlag.de/en/
Caudernos del Matemático, “Mend-Ooyo, el gran poeta contemporáneo de Mongolia” by Justo Jorge Padron, suplemento de Caudernos del Matemático N° 50, ISSN 1132-2403,
“G. Mend Ooyo's All Shining Moments – a Psalm of Nomadism” Dr. Shaleen Kumar Singh, critic, India, 2009 http://www.creativesaplings.com/old/r3.html, http://www.uyghurpen.org/the_poets_achievement.html, http://muzo.mn/en/1822
“Homage to g mend ooyo and his book entitled “Golden Hill” by Prof. Ernesto Kahan, Poet and physician, Isreal and Argentina, 2008
“Translator’s introduction” Simon Wickham-Smith, translator and critic, UK, 2007
Golden Hill, “Along other people’s paths and around other people’s wheels” by D. Uriankhai , Poet, 2007 http://muzo.mn/en/1821
“Introduction”, by Ruth O’Callaghan, poet and publisher, UK, 2010
“Discovery of the majestic existence of Mongolian culture in the poetry of G.Mend-Ooyo” Dr., Prof. Ya.Baatar, Critic, Mongolia, 2005 http://muzo.mn/en/1820
“A few heartfelt remarks about Gombojavyn Mend-ooyo’s poem” by Dr. Imre P. Zsoldos, poet and critic, Hungary-Taiwan, 2006 (Yaruu nairag-shidet dolgion-II, (Poetry is magic wave), poetry critiques, p 187-191, Ulaanbaatar 2007, ISBN -99929-1-245-6)
“Confer Nobel Prize for Literature to G.Mend- Ooyo” by Niraj Kumar, India, 2011 http://www.asianintegration.com/Services/Initiative/Nobel%20Prize%20in%20Literature/index.html, http://www.indiblogger.in/indipost.php?post=68767
“A Letter to poet G.Mend-Ooyo and other fellow poets of Mongolia” by Imre P.Zsoldos, GUNU magazine, p7-8, 2005 № 1, ISBN 99929-73-67-6
“Introduction to ‘Quickwit the Camel’” by Lyn Coffin, poet, USA, 2010 http://muzo.mn/en/1823
“Dariganga’s poetic triad” by Khurelbaatar U, poetry critic, Mongolia, 2011 http://muzo.mn/en/1186

Quotations on G.Mend-Ooyo's works

In 2007, Altan Ovoo (Golden Hill) was published for the first time in English translation, prepared by Simon Wickham-Smith. The publication of this English translation brought a great deal of positive criticism from its readers.

Comments from abroad
Comments from Mongolia

S Erdene

“Altan Ovoo is a true song of home. I do not know of another work of such pure, imaginative power”

classic novelist /Mongolia/

D Uriankhai

“Through the flow of power across the mirror of his mind, a flow which is not dependent upon the awakening of form, omens, intuition, dreams or feeling, the poet engages with the power of the local spirits and guardians of his own country, and passes to us a translation of the secret language of that country…”

poet, philosopher /Mongolia/

J Bold-Erdene

“Mongolian men, Mongolian horses, the Mongolian steppes, the horsehead fiddle, the swallows on the steppe, the golden sun – the world of Golden Hill is completely absorbed into the poetry of this book Altan Ovoo marks a renewal of Mongolian poetry.”

poet and critic /Mongolia/

T Ochirkhüü

“I want to think my fellow poet for his book, Altan Ovoo. I not only find this book a challenging and profound read, I also want to study its unusual rhythm and flow.”

poet and writer /Mongolia/

Sh Uyanga

“Altan Ovoo towers at the very center of my mind. A book like this comes up again and again, its intense sparks flaming upwards, casting its light undeniably upon the present. A brilliant book, however, is written by a brilliant man. From Altan Ovoo, I stand and look out over the mountains, over the whole world.”

poet and critic /Mongolia/

Dr., Prof. Ya.Baatar

“In particular, his work Altan Ovoo is a sincere, transparent poem of the true nomads and a magical poetic work expressing the aspiration for the safeguard of the natural essence and spiritual immunity of humankind and of the Mongols, who are being polluted and drowned in the urbanized social civilization...”

critic /Mongolia/

Maria Petrova

In the centre of the image system is the Altan Ovoo – mythical world mountain Sumeru, which connects Earth and Sky, upper, middle and lower worlds. The coexistence of secular and sacral worlds, the union of real and mythical spheres, poetical style, the usage of prose and poetry give the work by G.Mend-Ooyo mystical enchantment. This was also noted by Mongolian and European readers and literary critics. To my mind, modern presentation of traditional legends and ballades by G.Mend-Ooyo is a conscious author’s position. It demonstrates creative usage of folklore in Modern Mongolian literature.

Mongolian scholar
/ Saint-Petersburg State University, Russia/

Dr Ь Hьrelbaatar

“G Mend-Ooyo’s work, the basis of his poetry, is simple: it is, as the name of his book suggests, that Nomads are Coming from the Horizon. The point where Heaven and Earth meet, the mutual worship of nature and human beings, intuition and the gently melody of the inner mind – this is the Golden Hill of his wisdom, in all that he writes there is the poetry of nomads and the memory of nomadism. Mend-Ooyo’s poetic œuvre is the essence and mentality of the Mongol nomad, it is the call of Heaven, its writing is the sweet melody of the Mongol vertical script, and its magic waves of poetry are valued throughout the world.”

critic, poet, head of the Mongol Center for Literary Research
/Mongolia/

Dr D Tseveendorj

“G Mend-Ooyo’s poetry has developed through his investigation of viewpoint and is able to express life through the simplicity of his language. And so the particular attitude of nomadic poetry is brought closer to the world stage. In other words, through his poetic work, which is the contemplation and worship of that meaning which reveals what is secret and which grants perspective, the special characteristics of oriental poetry are revealed.”

researcher, critic and Professor of Literature
/Mongolia/

Dr Ya Ganbaatar

“Mend-Ooyo’s poems are finely-wrought, its language elegant, its images clear and its ideas profound. They show the wonderful power of the melodic Mongol tongue, they overflow with the verses, the language, the beautiful and vibrantly delicious words of poetry alone.”

Professor of Literary Studies
/Mongolia/

References