Zen Buddhism, and Its Relation to Art

Zen Buddhism, and Its Relation to Art is an essay by Arthur Waley. It conveys history and key personalities of Zen Buddhism while discussing Zen influenced art. Excerpt: «The method of teaching by symbolic acts (such as the plucking of a flower) was extensively used by the Zen masters. For example, when a disciple asked Enkwan a question about[15] the nature of Buddha, he answered, „Bring me a clean bowl.“ When the priest brought the bowl, the master said, „Now put it back where you found it.“ He signified that the priest's questionings must return to their proper place, the questioner's heart, from which alone spiritual knowledge can be obtained.»