Zen is one of the major schools of Buddhism, and shares the same core beliefs of Buddhism religion. The people who practice Zen hope to achieve enlighten through meditation, “by practicing this way of thinking they must break through the boundaries of everyday perception and logic clearing their minds leading to enlightment.” (Kleiner, 2010, p. 106) …show more content…
According to the Mclung Museum of Natural History & Culture, Zen monks create expressions of enlightment, using silk as the backdrop and very few brushstrokes ranging from a simple circle to a painting of Buddha. The works from the Kagetsu An Collection show a wide range of Zen art from Japan’s Edo period (1600-1868) to the 20th century. (mcclungmueseum.utk.edu) Japanese paintings, ceramics, architecture and poetry are just some of a few pieces of art that are influenced by Zen. Giant Japanese dragons are usually painted on the ceilings of their monasteries brush lines become sweeping and fluid and with a few strokes of a paint brush brings life to paintings that have emptiness. Japanese poetry, known as haiku poems, can turn silence and simplicity, evoking moods and sensation. (odmarkproductions.com) Mark Schumacher states in his article, Influence on Japanese Art, “With Zen, art aspires to represent not only nature itself but to become a work of