Thursday, October 8, 2009

Muromachi Period 1392-1573

From the world of passions
I return to the world beyond passions,
A moment of pause.
If the rain is to fall, let if fall;
If the wind is to blow, let it blow.
 - Ikkyu Sojun



Ants Hauling a Pumpkin | 1988.16
Shoto Bokusai Ants Hauling a Pumpkin
Hanging scroll; Ink on paper
Muromachi Period (ca. 1400)


The ants seem to be participating in a familiar kind of Japanese festival procession, complete with music, dancing, and a float - which strongly suggests a Zen parable turned into a picture. Zen emphasizes intuition over rationality in spiritual instruction. 

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