The next subject to explore in our Treeleaf Art Circle is Impermanence. The perception of impermanence is a powerful factor in Buddhist practice. When we contemplate that everything we know, including our very person-hood, has a beginning and an end, it becomes easier to loosen our hold on possessions, and on our hearts. The foibles we see all around us are maybe not so serious. Maybe it is not so important that things be a certain way? We still have dreams, there is still passion for life, but life is something to dance with/as and not something we can fully control. A deep perception of impermanence also brings awareness of how precious this life around us is, our loved ones and all the beings we encounter. How much more beautiful is a spring bloom because it is fleeting? In the last couple of days the magnolias have bloomed on our street. They will be gone by week's end. They have such a unique and gentle perfume.
At the same time, when sitting Zazen we let the perception of impermanence go, along with all the opposites.... impermanence, permanence, big, small, good, bad,
...and sit in simple openness, whole and complete .... a dog barks, cool air on the toes, the smell of incense.
Assignment: Please make a work of art in any medium that will decay, dissolve, erode, or fade, in a away that can be observed in days or weeks. Skill is not important, only care. There is no judgement here, only sharing. Take photographs of this fading in process and post them on this thread....
Here is a wonderful example of disappearing art work.......
Here is more....
The artist's catalogue is worth exploring sometime...
It does not have to be made with natural material, or even solid. It can be sounds, or a digital process. It can be simple or complex. A well known example of impermanence is the Tibetan Sand mandala....
Here is someone who has made Buddhas that melt away....
If you have any thoughts on impermanence, or stories about impermanence in your own life, please share them here.
I'm going down to the creek in the local park to make something by the water ..... not sure what it will be until I start, but it will be posted here too.
Thank you!
Daizan
sat today
At the same time, when sitting Zazen we let the perception of impermanence go, along with all the opposites.... impermanence, permanence, big, small, good, bad,
...and sit in simple openness, whole and complete .... a dog barks, cool air on the toes, the smell of incense.
Assignment: Please make a work of art in any medium that will decay, dissolve, erode, or fade, in a away that can be observed in days or weeks. Skill is not important, only care. There is no judgement here, only sharing. Take photographs of this fading in process and post them on this thread....
Here is a wonderful example of disappearing art work.......
Here is more....
The artist's catalogue is worth exploring sometime...
It does not have to be made with natural material, or even solid. It can be sounds, or a digital process. It can be simple or complex. A well known example of impermanence is the Tibetan Sand mandala....
Here is someone who has made Buddhas that melt away....
If you have any thoughts on impermanence, or stories about impermanence in your own life, please share them here.
I'm going down to the creek in the local park to make something by the water ..... not sure what it will be until I start, but it will be posted here too.
Thank you!
Daizan
sat today
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