Zen and the Arts of Feudal Japan

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Zen and the Arts of Feudal Japan
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Zen Ideas sartori, a non-idea oneness immediacy se
lf-discipline simplicity action
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Zen and the Samurai
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Visual Zen How would you represent Zen ideas in
painting?
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Sesshu 1420-1506 Sesshu, a Zen monk, is one of
Japans greatest painters. His art is known as
sumi-e, painting with black Indian ink only.
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A legend about Sesshu's childhood He grew up at
temple to be a Buddhist priest. But, he was
fascinated by painting and neglected his
disciplines. So his teacher got angry and tied
him to a pillar of the temple. He wept, and his
tears formed a small puddle on the ground. Using
his foot, he drew a picture of a mouse by using
his tears as ink. The mouse was so realistic, it
came to life, gnawed the rope, and set him free!
As a result, the master permitted Sesshu to
continue painting.
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Priest Hui Kuo Showing His Amputated Arm by
Sesshu Hanging scroll, ink and light color on
paperMuromachi Period (dated 1496)Important
Cultural Property(Sainen-ji Temple, Aichi)
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Landscape of the Four Seasons attributed to
Sesshu Handscroll, ink and light color on
paperProportions 21.5 x 1151.5 cmMuromachi
Period (second half of the 15th
Century)Important Cultural Property
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Winter Landscape by Sesshu Muromachi Period,
15th century. National Treasure.
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Zen Art haboku flung ink monochromatic
sumi-e empty asymmetrical casual abstract
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Zen Technique
Wabi (essence, simplicity) Sabi (solitude,
impermanence)
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Other Zen Ways In what other areas of Japanese
life and art do you find Zen-like principles at
work?
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Zen Gardening
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Zen and Hanami
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Sen Rikyu (1522--91) The Way of Tea
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4 principles underlying the Way of Tea
Harmony, Respect, Purity, Tranquility
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Zen and Tea very tiny, rustic tearooms teabowls,
teascoops, and lid rests made of bamboo use of
ordinary objects from everyday life, adapted and
used in new ways for tea
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According to legend, Daruma (the founder of Zen
Buddhism) became exasperated by his constant
falling asleep during zazen. So, he tore his
eyelids off and threw them on the ground. Later,
a plant sprung up at that very site where the
eyelids fell. His disciples then discovered that
this plant, later called "Cha" (tea), had
miraculous awakening qualities.
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Zen and Martial Arts
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Zen Poetry Haiku by Bassho (1643-1694)
With the evening breeze, The water laps
against The herons legs.
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American Zen