Only one koan matters:
You
*
- Ikkyu
KIRISUTO v.2.0 is dedicated to the theme of Christ in art and to exploring the many multi-cultural interpretations of the person of Jesus Christ and the events in his life through unique and beautiful images. Spiritual, theological and literary reflections will accompany each piece. KIRISUTO v.2.0 is a sequel to my first KIRISUTO blog. Please see sidebar for the link.
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1 comment:
I think this painting is just magnificent. I wish I knew who the artist is. I chose this two-line poem by Ikkyu because the "You" of the poem stands out just as Christ does in this painting. The Japanese word "koan" refers to a Zen Buddhist concept in which a question or a statement is posed that appears to be innaccesible on a literal level but which, on a spritual level, becomes more clear through contemplation--similar to the way classical philosophy can be taught through the use of rhetorical questions: not meant be answered in a literal fashion, but posed as a means to teach a lesson through contemplation of the question itself. An example of a famous koan is: "Two hands clap and there is a sound; what is the sound of one hand?"
Place the poem by Ikkyu in a Christian light, Jesus becomes the only koan that matters, has meaning and is worthy of contemplation.
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