Art Project

For my Modern Religious project, I decided to choose the unique style of wood carving. This oriental style is produced by arduously carving into a hard wood block to form indentations and rivets that resemble a figure. Then ink is rolled onto the uncut surface to produce a shine. Paper is then put on top and rubbed so the paint rubs on the paper. The paper is taken off to show the cut surface. My project was influenced by the Japanese Shinto religion where everything in nature has a spirit or a “Kami.” Rivers have spirits and rocks have souls. I used three religious principles in this art project.  The Tori Gate is my main object in my carving. The Tori Gate is a religious symbol that represents Shintoism. I used the ancient style of wood carving to stimulate one way how art was produced during that era of time. Wood is nature’s bricks and because I wanted to use nature in my project, I use wood. This is because Shintoism is revolved around respecting the flow of nature. 

Temple Visit

I think that the idea of life sprouting from cold ground is fascinating and beautiful to think about. I think it is amazing how the most beautiful flower in the world came from one ugly seed. Or how a famous Buddhist symbol, the white lotus, grows in muddy waters. When I visited the temple, I got a clear understanding on why people would seek out a religious truth. Settled in a beautiful forest, the temple was full of paintings, figures, and statues. But what was striking to me, was the aspect of nature. Whether it was a flower or the color blue, nature was everywhere. This shows how significant nature is to the Buddhists. I believe that humans subconsciously wish to be the lotus flower and grow from an ugly seed in dirty water to another stage in life.

ryan meditating

Buddhist Mediation

      While meditating I discovered a sense of serenity and the beauty of silence. While ephemeral as the bliss was, I could not control what flows in and out of my mind. As I realized that I was not thinking about anything in my mind, I thought about it, destroying those few seconds of peace. Much like a storm, my mind was full of flimsy thoughts and worries that had no significant value to my life at all. Thoughts such as, "What am I going to wear tomorrow" or "I want orange juice," came out. I could not control the nuances that my mind created, whether it was thoughts spiraling out or thoughts spiraling in. There was no way I could "empty" my mind. I figure that it is impossible to complete this enigmatic task. How can it be possible to not think of anything! I did not receive any "inspirations" or "flashbacks" or any of those "enlightenment" visions everybody talks about. Maybe because I failed in blowing away useless thoughts or maybe because it was not possible for me. Much like a child who craves more chocolate, I had a sudden craving for that feeling of those few seconds of discovery-- like the feeling of discovering a lost village.