Ep 15. Zen In Painting

Alan Watts On Eastern Wisdom & Modern Life is a documentary series that explores the teachings of Alan Watts, a British philosopher and author who popularized Zen Buddhism in the West in the mid-20th century. In season 1 episode 15, titled "Zen In Painting," Watts delves into the world of art and its connection to Zen philosophy.

The episode begins with Watts discussing the concept of "mu," a word in Japanese that connotes emptiness or nothingness. He explains how this idea is key to Zen Buddhism and how it influences art, particularly in the form of calligraphy and painting.

Watts then introduces viewers to the work of Japanese painter Sengai Gibon, known for his playful and spontaneous approach to art. Sengai's brushwork, according to Watts, embodies the Zen concept of "no-mind," or a state of being in which conscious thought is suspended and one acts purely on intuition.

Moving on to the work of Chinese painter Wu Daozi, Watts describes how he too embraced the Zen approach to art, which involves emptying oneself of all preconceptions and allowing the brush to move freely. Watts notes that Wu Daozi was said to have painted so fast that his brush would catch fire, a testament to the intense focus and energy he brought to the process.

Watts then turns his attention to the Japanese form of ink painting known as sumi-e, which emphasizes simplicity and minimalism. He describes how Zen monks would practice sumi-e as a form of meditation, using it as a way to develop mindfulness and presence. Watts notes that the beauty of a sumi-e painting lies not in its adherence to realistic representation, but in its ability to capture the essence of its subject.

Finally, Watts discusses the work of Japanese painter Hakuin Ekaku, known for his depictions of the Buddha. Watts notes that Hakuin's art is characterized by a simplicity and directness that reflects the essence of Zen teachings. He reads from one of Hakuin's poems, which describes the Buddha's smile as "the essence of emptiness," a reminder that true enlightenment lies in embracing the emptiness at the heart of all phenomena.

Throughout the episode, Watts weaves together insights from Zen philosophy and the world of art, showing how the two are intimately connected. He emphasizes the importance of cultivating a mindset of "no-mind" in creative endeavors, allowing oneself to be guided by intuition and present-moment awareness. In doing so, he invites viewers to consider the transformative power of art and the role of Zen wisdom in unlocking it.