Even a brief shock (when discovering the moon over city roofs or hearing a sharp bird cry at night) can yield an experience of the order of no-mind: the poetical order, the order of art. When this occurs, our own reality-beyond-meaning is awakened, & we experience an affect that is neither thought nor feeling but an interior impact. Both the magic of art & the art of magic derive from & are addressed to experiences of this order. They function evocatively, not referentially; like the beat of a shaman’s drum, not like a formula of Einstein……Joseph Campbell
it’s wonderful to escape to a place where reason is uninvited….the harmony of art & magic touches our need for aesthetic wanderings….such small & delicate wishes!
like arrranging the dinner just so…like draping a little sprig of ivy over your hut….like suddenly remembering your ancient roots in an old teacup….like burying a stone for luck….like remembering your devout faith as something inevitable….
All the way to heaven is heaven itself.
…Maezumi Roshi
beseeching the infinite….in a moment before dinner & after a long day…
The process of discovery is the endless spring of creativity, always bright, fresh & new, brimming with life. Where it comes from is not too important. What matters is that it’s already present in each one of us, waiting to be uncovered. Ultimately, engaging the artless arts means to see into one’s own heart & mind, & to bring to life that which is realized- embodying the arts of simplicity, mystery,, spontaneity, & suchness……John Daido Loori
What a beautiful post – I love the way you incorporate others’ wisdoms with your own!
Thank you…..the deeper, esoteric messages mean so much more when related to our ‘real world’….wonderful to connect…..
Life as art, Joseph Campbell knew the way of heros in our life and literature. Art attends to us in moments we least expect, a sunrise over breakfast, moonglow on a winter night, a fawn braying for its mother… Once again thank you…
Beautiful reflections…..a list to keep adding to…..Yes, Joseph Campbell contributed so much….an unsung hero himself……You make a great point….’when we least expect it’….like a little gift…..Thanks g.f.s….
I agree with Dear Peter; specially with the point “least expected”; perhaps that’s what Pierre Bonnard meant by; “A painting that is well composed is half finished.”
Oh yes….being surprised & a feeling of continual exploration….moving into territories unknown….thanks Mira….
“like suddenly remembering your ancient roots in an old teacup” I love, love this line. Such a beautiful post!
Thank you so much……always searching for the poetic line….blessings…
Thank you for this post! I especially like the line, The process of discovery is the endless spring of creativity, always bright, fresh & new, brimming with life.
I find so much creativity in nature, when I am sitting still and she reveals herself in ways that may only last mere moments.
I agree……nature flows through us…cleansing….opens us to be able to ‘see’ & find that discovery…thanks for sharing a revealing moment….
Your post is thought-provoking, as always, and I too like the way you blend the wisdom of others with your own. I especially like Maezumi Roshi’s words, “All the way to heaven is heaven itself,” because they remind us that life is meant to be lived now! Thanks for another excellent post.