Zeami famously stated that “the flower is the mind and its seed the performance.” How is the relationship between one’s inner state and one’s body understood in the cultivation of traditional Japanese arts? What part does bodily practice play in attaining a high level of artistic and spiritual refinement? Illustrate your answer with reference to our readings about Nō acting and Japanese swordsmanship, but also take into account views on the matter articulated by modern scholars Yuriko Saito and Yasuo Yuasa. The following readings are possible resources for this essay. Be sure to consider perspectives articulated in at least two of the following readings.
Yasuo Yuasa, “Theories of Artistry,” The Body, esp. pp. 104-106.
Takuan, “Mysterious Record of Immovable Wisdom,” Unfettered Mind, 4-20.
Zeami’s writings, in W. T. de Bary, et al., eds. Sources of Japanese Tradition, 2nd ed., vol. I,
364-372; 376-383.
CITATION
CLICK HERE TO ORDER A SIMILAR OR ANY OTHER ASSIGNMENT YOU HAVE ASSIGNMENT
The post Zeami famously stated that “the flower is the mind and its seed the performance.” How is the relationship between one’s inner state and one’s body understood in the cultivation of traditional Japanese arts? What part does bodily practice play in attaining a high level of artistic and spiritual refinement? Illustrate your answer with reference to our readings about Nō acting and Japanese swordsmanship appeared first on Apax Researchers.
