Must art have to have a purpose or meaning within? Modern art begs this question because the art found in galleries and museums is often confusing and seemingly absurd. In some circles like academia and teaching, there is an expectation, even a pressure, to have art imbibed with meaning, there has to be a narrative … Read more
This painting is not a big favourite of mine, but it’s important to me because the work is unconventional and what it symbolises. He’s famous because he’s so hyped; the market likes controversial groundbreakers, so he’s radical in one sense. He’s part of today’s love affair with creativity, newness, breaking with tradition, and the future. … Read more
The circle symbol or Enso is popular in Zen Buddhism, but what does it signify or mean? It’s both intriguing and yet confusing, just like Zen Buddhism. Emptiness When we look at an Enso, we think of a circle, but we often forget it is an empty circle. Emptiness or 虚無 Kyomu in Japanese is an essential … Read more
In my experience and understanding, such questions as ‘Why are we here?’ ‘What my ultimate purpose in life?” can’t be answered definitively. I don’t need the consoling beliefs offered up by other religions like theism. Such views are always metaphysical (Place your faith in God). I looked into metaphysics and concluded it’s a waste of … Read more
Probably the worst thing I had to deal with was the depression that could come with my fear. There were times when I just couldn’t be bothered to do anything; I felt a listlessness with my circumstances that could lead to all-pervasive apathy. It’s a negative spiral of loneliness, worthlessness, powerlessness, and meaninglessness (what I … Read more
In my journey into Buddhism and Zen, I found an odd paradox that at its most basic there is not much to learn. Because there’s nothing really to grasp as such, no mysterious or secret knowledge to attain or grasp. No bedrock of truth to build a life upon. Instead, it’s the philosophy letting go … Read more