For a subject in which words are considered an impediment to meditative insight, it is daunting to see just how many words seem to be needed to explain Zen. Uncannily, it seems to dodge any attempt at definition, and is perhaps best circled around with language in the hope that the centre somehow becomes a little clearer. Zen is a ‘way’ like those of other Japanese cultural pursuits – martial arts, tea, flower-arranging – where practice and experience achieve far more than a manual. And at least some exposure to Zen seems necessary before embarking on any worthwhile discussion of the subject.

TWO OF TEN OXHERDING PICTURES,
attributed to Shubun, Muromachi Period, 15th century, handscroll, ink and light colour on paper, Shokokuji, Kyoto

This new exhibition, Zen Treasures from the Kyoto Gozan Temples at the Tokyo National Museum, shows art masterpieces associated with the Gozan (five mountains)  temples: Tenryuji, Shokokuji, Tofukuji, Kenninji and Manjuji. After meeting brief hostility from the entrenched sects of Esoteric Buddhism, the newly-imported Zen ideals soon attracted the interest and support of the military rulers, and these five temples, modelled after a similar system in China, were established in Kyoto during the 13th century to promote the new sect... Lire la suite de l'article de Michael Dunn http://www.asianartnewspaper.com/#

Zen Treasures from the Gozan Temples was at the Tokyo National Museum, Ueno Park over the summer. It can be seen at the Kyushu National Museum in Japan from 1 January to 24 February 2008.

SHAKA TRIAD WITH THIRTY DISCIPLE FIGURES
(Middle portion) by Kissan Mincho, Muromachi Period, 1426, set of seven hanging scrolls, colours on silk, Rokuoin, Kyoto

READING IN THE BAMBOO GROVE STUDY,
attributed to Shubun. Preface by Jikuun Toren and poetic inscriptions by Kosei Ryuha and four other monks, Muromachi Period, 15th century, hanging scroll, ink and light colour on paper, Tokyo National Museum. National Treasure