WHY “ART AND ZEN TODAY”?

I initially decided to visit The Vista Zen Center because it was only about 2 miles away and because I was struck by digital art pieces created by Jake (John Jiyu Gage, Sensei) displayed on the Center’s Website. As I continued my traditional Zen studies with Jake, he encouraged me to explore how I could extend my Zen Practice into my Art Practice and vice. versa. The development of this Site is an outgrowth of this process. As with most of my paintings I have no clear idea of where this project is going or what it will end up looking like. In fact, jumping into the void seems to be a major component of both traditional Zen practices and contemporary art. So a good part of what gets posted here will be observations stemming from my experiences as I explore this process. But, I would hope that this will end up being more than just a series of diary entries. I sincerely hope that this Site will stimulate discussions on a whole variety of topics reflected in the interface of spiritual practice and art. I will encourage, comments, exchanges and guest postings. Let’s see what happens!

When I read something I often ask “where is this person coming from?” What I mean by this is I want to know something about the author’s past experiences that would help me put his or her comments into some context. The list below is not the standard Biography but a series of experiences that might shed light on future postings.

1. Married 43 years with 2 adult children

2. Retired College Professor; Ph.D. in Sociology. Teaching and Research Interests: social psychology, altered states of consciousness. small group interaction, sociology of religion, postmodern culture and identity.

3. Participated for 8 years as a full-time member of Kripalu Yoga Ashram; taught yoga and stress management.

4. Played drums in various jazz bands throughout high school and college. Began again at age 55 playing jazz with “Taboo” Philadelphia, Jazz/pop/electronia with “Shockra Dance” in Colorado and jazz/world/electronia with “Shrink Wrap” in California.

5. I Have been practicing Zen for the past 5 years with John Jiju Gage (Jake) at the Vista Zen Center.

6. Although I have dabbled in various arts and crafts all my life, I have focused on painting since my retirement 5 years ago.

7. See Recommended Reading

8. The Sanskrit name MANOJ was given to me by my teacher at Kripalu Yoga Ashram sometime in the 1980s and it also became my Dharma name at the Vista Zen Center.