Zen Aesthetics – Series on Zen

Author: Zhang Jiemo
Publisher:
Publish Date: 1999-12-01
Features: There have been two major breakthroughs in the history of Chinese aesthetics: from Zhuangzi aesthetics to Xuanxue aesthetics, and then to Chan (Zen) aesthetics. Chan aesthetics has contributed to the Chinese people a highly refined, ethereal, and infinitely subtle spiritual enjoyment. It has reshaped the aesthetic experience of the Chinese, making it deeply spiritualized. Following this thread, the author examines in detail and meticulously the Chan perspective on personality, nature, emotions, states of being, artistic conception, and other aspects. In the discussion, the author consistently starts from the basic sensory experience of Chan, employing a reductionist descriptive method. This not only accurately outlines the philosophical and aesthetic historical transformation of the emergence of Chan's empty view but also successfully reveals the relationship between the sensory dimension of Chan and its philosophical speculation, value system, and psychological characteristics. The book also explores the influence of Chan thought on the aesthetic psychology and artistic creation, appreciation of Chinese scholars since the Wei and Jin periods, leading to several qualitative changes in Chinese aesthetics. The book is well-researched, with in-depth and insightful analysis, seamlessly blending serious theoretical speculation with beautiful poetic expression, making it highly readable.