| Description |
This thesis records and analyzes the process of creating my own Zen dance, 間 (Ma), and how the aesthetics and philosophy of Zen rebuilt my heart. The beginning idea of this thesis was dependent on a personal question, which was why Zen, a Buddhism concept defined by ancient Chinese people, exists everywhere in Japanese culture nowadays while it has nearly disappeared in China. To first answer this question, I first studied the history of war and religion in South Asia, especially between China and Japan, and researched the relation and interaction of Zen to the natural environment, national policy, and educational system in ancient Japan. I also analyzed how Zen is presented in the Japanese visual art concepts of wabi-sabi and Ma. My research about Zen led me to choreograph a work that embodied my understanding about Zen. Through this work, a final, significant point in this thesis is how the philosophy of Zen changed my life and provided me with the idea to make art when I was in a state of depression. In this thesis paper, the primary questions that I ask and seek answers for are the following: What is Zen? Where is Zen from? Why is Zen no longer present in China? How does Zen function in Japanese people's lives and art? Why is wabi-sabi called "embodied Zen"? What is wabi-sabi dance? How does wabi-sabi dance relate to Tai-chi dance? How do I use wabi-sabi and Tai-chi dance training to choreograph my Zen dance? What is 間 (Ma)? How did 間 (Ma) change my thesis dance work into a new aesthetic level of Zen art? How did Zen impact me theoretically, bodily, and spiritually during the iv process of making my thesis dance piece? How do I realize that my journey with Zen has just begun? |
