I've seen some monks translate it as 'There is suffering' with the implication that it's inevitable or unavoidable, that we will all suffer to some extent if we're alive. He also said that there is a way out of suffering: the Noble Eightfold Path. It doesn't include art. It doesn't exactly preclude art, though the Buddha himself wasn't into it.
What I haven't been able to fully reconcile for myself is why the Buddha didn't really like games or art. I understand how they can be distracting and take you away from the path to enlightenment and all that, sure. But art has literally saved my life. I mean, to be fair, it's also almost killed me, but. Anyway. I have no answers or real insight. Just musings. Not every day I see a piece even mention Buddhism, so. Here we are!
So great to hear from you T! I know exactly what you mean. It’s art, my relishing of it, my great need for it, that has often put me at odds with many faith traditions. Art has become more my religion, more my path than anything else ever has. Like you it has been my salivation as much as it has been my bane. Art has always been my way out of suffering, albeit often only temporarily. Perhaps, it’s evidence of my inability to let go of desire and craving. I’m not sure either really, just a compatriot in the musing….
Congrats on the show Duane! I like what you are writing, Here is a little chunk of what I am writing in my article this morning watch for it later:
"The arts require deep, penetrating vision and rigorous effort over long periods of time. This requires the development of strong concentration and the ability to contemplate deeply and to eventually quiet the mind enough to achieve a meditative state which opens the way to creativity.
This does not mean that the artist needs to be sitting around in a cross legged position all day. It just means to be able to work without distraction, be able to focus the mind, be unperturbed and sufficiently quiet to forget about yourself long enough for creativity to flow through you when you work. This is a skill and a discipline that must be developed and cultivated."
Great writing — art truly is freedom because it allows our innermost self to be expressed~
Buddhist doctrine is very psychological.. Dukkha is often used in the context of the mind’s perceptions of the world. It’s not that life itself is suffering, but that our perceptions make it so.
Life itself is inherently neutral~
In Buddhism, we escape the mental prison of through the noble eightfold path which is basically a guideline of morals, values, and lifestyle. In essence, our lives become a work of art that we are continuously creating~
I love your collages. I too indulge in the art of collage-making! It is a beautiful medium. As for your post, I completely agree that we should enjoy our work instead of being our own worst critics. "In a society that profits from your self-doubt, liking yourself is a rebellious act.” -Caroline Caldwell. I have a seemingly rare complex where I am actually quite proud of the art I create. I rarely get down on myself about my writing itself. I consider myself my favorite writer, a collage of all the artists I have ever loved who have inspired me, transmuted into my own individual voice.
Thanks so much! It’s always great to meet another collage artist! That Caldwell quote is marvelous! It is a wonderful gift to be in love with what you produce. It’s not one am often given or afforded. While I may not always be enamored with ‘what’ I make, I am in love with my making, with the ‘how’ of what I do. With my rituals and methods and processes. I may not always love my art, but I love my art-’work’.
'One thing underneath all the repetitions, the callouses and the blisters. One thing beneath all the monotony, penance, and grave rituals. Beneath all the frustration, dissatisfaction, and disappointment. The one thing that makes art so rebellious. The reason that creativity is raucous and unruly. The thing that makes it worth it. The reason that we do it all in the first place. The reason that, no matter what, we return to it again and again'.
That we love it, find transient bliss through its expression. Beautiful art and writing Duane.
An interesting thought - play is an important part of my process - having fun trying out new things. It calms, it helps me readjust my head and see things clearly. Who are we without experimentation? Without finding enjoyment in recreation, to be fully engaged in something that doesn't only bring us joy, but brings joy to others?
"Waiting through life" might be the damaging combo of Petty + Buddha. That's why art speaks volumes, showing off and sharing life in infinite ways; never stopping.
I've seen some monks translate it as 'There is suffering' with the implication that it's inevitable or unavoidable, that we will all suffer to some extent if we're alive. He also said that there is a way out of suffering: the Noble Eightfold Path. It doesn't include art. It doesn't exactly preclude art, though the Buddha himself wasn't into it.
What I haven't been able to fully reconcile for myself is why the Buddha didn't really like games or art. I understand how they can be distracting and take you away from the path to enlightenment and all that, sure. But art has literally saved my life. I mean, to be fair, it's also almost killed me, but. Anyway. I have no answers or real insight. Just musings. Not every day I see a piece even mention Buddhism, so. Here we are!
So great to hear from you T! I know exactly what you mean. It’s art, my relishing of it, my great need for it, that has often put me at odds with many faith traditions. Art has become more my religion, more my path than anything else ever has. Like you it has been my salivation as much as it has been my bane. Art has always been my way out of suffering, albeit often only temporarily. Perhaps, it’s evidence of my inability to let go of desire and craving. I’m not sure either really, just a compatriot in the musing….
Congrats on the show Duane! I like what you are writing, Here is a little chunk of what I am writing in my article this morning watch for it later:
"The arts require deep, penetrating vision and rigorous effort over long periods of time. This requires the development of strong concentration and the ability to contemplate deeply and to eventually quiet the mind enough to achieve a meditative state which opens the way to creativity.
This does not mean that the artist needs to be sitting around in a cross legged position all day. It just means to be able to work without distraction, be able to focus the mind, be unperturbed and sufficiently quiet to forget about yourself long enough for creativity to flow through you when you work. This is a skill and a discipline that must be developed and cultivated."
Love where you’re going with this! Thanks for sharing that with me! looking forward to reading more of it!
Great writing — art truly is freedom because it allows our innermost self to be expressed~
Buddhist doctrine is very psychological.. Dukkha is often used in the context of the mind’s perceptions of the world. It’s not that life itself is suffering, but that our perceptions make it so.
Life itself is inherently neutral~
In Buddhism, we escape the mental prison of through the noble eightfold path which is basically a guideline of morals, values, and lifestyle. In essence, our lives become a work of art that we are continuously creating~
Great work!
Max
"A work of art that we are continously creating" - Astutely observed and incisively said! Thanks so much for this Max!
Sí, hay que encontrar el placer que nos ofrece el arte.
¡Enhorabuena por tu participación en la exposición!
¡Muchas gracias! ¡Realmente lo aprecio! ¡Sí! Tienes razón. No solo debemos encontrar el placer, sino que debemos deleitarnos en él. ¡Gracias de nuevo!
I love your collages. I too indulge in the art of collage-making! It is a beautiful medium. As for your post, I completely agree that we should enjoy our work instead of being our own worst critics. "In a society that profits from your self-doubt, liking yourself is a rebellious act.” -Caroline Caldwell. I have a seemingly rare complex where I am actually quite proud of the art I create. I rarely get down on myself about my writing itself. I consider myself my favorite writer, a collage of all the artists I have ever loved who have inspired me, transmuted into my own individual voice.
Thanks so much! It’s always great to meet another collage artist! That Caldwell quote is marvelous! It is a wonderful gift to be in love with what you produce. It’s not one am often given or afforded. While I may not always be enamored with ‘what’ I make, I am in love with my making, with the ‘how’ of what I do. With my rituals and methods and processes. I may not always love my art, but I love my art-’work’.
I love the “the pale moon swam” collage. Beautiful!
thank you! That’s one that took me by surprise, it became something I hadn’t expected.
'One thing underneath all the repetitions, the callouses and the blisters. One thing beneath all the monotony, penance, and grave rituals. Beneath all the frustration, dissatisfaction, and disappointment. The one thing that makes art so rebellious. The reason that creativity is raucous and unruly. The thing that makes it worth it. The reason that we do it all in the first place. The reason that, no matter what, we return to it again and again'.
That we love it, find transient bliss through its expression. Beautiful art and writing Duane.
Quick link here: https://youtu.be/s28rwnz18j4?si=8xTs2P_tCE_ich35
Yes!! I love Joseph Campbell's ideas on bliss! thanks for this!!
An interesting thought - play is an important part of my process - having fun trying out new things. It calms, it helps me readjust my head and see things clearly. Who are we without experimentation? Without finding enjoyment in recreation, to be fully engaged in something that doesn't only bring us joy, but brings joy to others?
"Waiting through life" might be the damaging combo of Petty + Buddha. That's why art speaks volumes, showing off and sharing life in infinite ways; never stopping.
Perfectly said, Martin! I couldn’t agree more! Thanks so much for that!
The collages and wordings you have written for each collage are simply amazing! Divine!✨️❤️
Wow! Thank you! That really does mean the world to me.🙏
the collages here are just enthralling, gorgeous, and interesting (in the real sense!)
Thank you Elise! That’s so kind of you to say! I really appreciate it!