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In Japan, painting and calligraphy became a primary teaching vehicle of the Zen masters from the sixteenth century onward. Zen art is that body of work created by Zen meditation masters to instruct, inspire, and delight aspiring Zen students and other seekers of wisdom. It is an intense, animated form of Dharma art that springs forth from the Zen experience. The creation of Zen art depends on two essential factors: state of mind and level of enlightenment. Zen art is an expression of the Buddha-mind. The depth and breadth of a master's enlightened vision is revealed through the medium of brush, ink, and paper as "Zen activity." The freedom, naturalness, profundity, vitality, power, stability, warmth, and refinement that we sense in a genuine example of Zen art all derive from Zen activity. A master's spirit permeates and radiates from each work of Zen art, and we can actually encounter a living presence in the brush strokes. It is well understood in Buddhism that contemplation of Dharma art such as Zen painting and calligraphy fosters awakening no less than sitting in meditation, studying sacred texts, listening to teachings, or going on pilgrimage. |
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