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choi Kyeong-mook’s ‘Line Story’ Exhibition Captures the Rhythm of Life

Bongpyeong, Pyeongchang – Artist Choi Kyeong-mook’s tenth solo exhibition, titled ‘Line Story,’ opened its doors on November 2nd at the Kotdeung Small Art Museum. The exhibition, running through november 31st, presents a compelling collection of paintings that delve into the essence of life’s rhythm.

The artwork showcased embodies a unique approach to expressing vitality through the interplay of floral motifs and dynamic lines. These lines aren’t products of rigid planning; instead, they organically follow the natural flow, mirroring

How did the Goryeo and Joseon Dynasties differentially impact the practice of Seon Buddhism in Korea?

Exploring the Depths of Zen: Insights from Choi Gyeong-mook’s ‘Story of Zen’

the Historical Context of ‘Story of Zen’ & Korean Zen Buddhism

Choi Gyeong-mook’s Story of Zen (선 이야기, Seon Iyagi) isn’t just a recounting of koans and master-disciple interactions; it’s a window into the unique growth of Zen Buddhism – specifically, Seon Buddhism – in Korea. Understanding this historical context is crucial to appreciating the nuances within the text. korean Seon, while deeply rooted in Chinese Chan Buddhism, forged its own distinct path, heavily influenced by indigenous Korean thought and practices.

* Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392): This period saw the flourishing of Seon, with the establishment of the Five Mountain System – five major monasteries that became centers of learning and practice.

* Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910): Confucianism became the state ideology, leading to periods of suppression for Buddhism, including Seon. Despite this, Seon continued to be practiced, frequently enough in more secluded settings.

* Modern Era: The 20th and 21st centuries have witnessed a revival of interest in Seon, both within Korea and internationally.

Choi Gyeong-mook’s work, published in the mid-20th century, reflects this resurgence, presenting seon teachings in a relatable and accessible manner for a modern audience. It’s a key text for those interested in Zen history and the evolution of Buddhist ideology.

Decoding the Koan: A Central Practice in seon

At the heart of Story of Zen lies the practice of koan study. Koans are paradoxical anecdotes or questions used in Zen training to provoke doubt and break down habitual patterns of thinking. They aren’t riddles to be solved intellectually, but rather tools to bypass the rational mind and access a deeper, intuitive understanding of reality.

Here’s how koan practice typically unfolds:

1. Presentation: A Zen master presents a koan to a student.
2. Contemplation: The student intensely contemplates the koan, not seeking a logical answer, but allowing it to permeate their consciousness.Zen meditation is frequently enough integral to this process.
3. Interview (Dokusan): The student meets privately with the master to present their understanding.
4. Assessment: The master assesses the student’s response, guiding them further if necessary.

Choi Gyeong-mook masterfully illustrates this process through the stories in his book, showcasing the diverse ways students grapple with koans and the often-unexpected breakthroughs they experience. Common koans explored include “mu” (Joshu’s Dog) and variations on “What is the sound of one hand clapping?” Understanding koan meaning requires moving beyond intellectual analysis.

Key Figures & Stories from ‘story of Zen’

Choi Gyeong-mook doesn’t just present koans; he brings to life the masters and students who embody the spirit of Seon. Several figures recur throughout the book, offering valuable lessons in Zen practice.

* Linji Yixuan (Rinzai Gigen): The founder of the Linji (Rinzai) school of Zen, known for his forceful and direct teaching style. Stories featuring Linji often emphasize the importance of sudden enlightenment.

* Zhao Zhou Congshen (Joshu Jushin): Famous for his “Mu” koan, Joshu represents the paradoxical nature of Zen and the limitations of language.

* Baizhang Huaihai: Known for his emphasis on integrating zen practice with daily life, especially through work.

The stories themselves are often short and seemingly simple, but they contain profound insights into the nature of mind, reality, and liberation. For example, the tale of the monk who offered a broken bowl to his master highlights the concept of emptiness (sunyata) – the understanding that all phenomena are devoid of inherent existence.

The Benefits of Studying ‘Story of Zen’ & Seon Buddhism

Engaging with Story of Zen and the broader tradition of Seon Buddhism can offer a multitude of benefits:

* Reduced Stress & Anxiety: Zen practice, including meditation and koan study, can cultivate a sense of calm and equanimity.

* Increased Self-Awareness: By challenging habitual patterns of thinking, Zen helps us to see ourselves and the world more clearly.

* Enhanced Creativity & Intuition: breaking free from rigid thought patterns can unlock new levels of creativity and intuition.

* Greater Compassion & Empathy: Understanding the interconnectedness of all things fosters compassion and empathy for others.

* Improved Focus & Concentration: Mindfulness meditation, a core component of Zen, strengthens focus and concentration.

Practical Tips for Engaging with ‘Story of Zen’

If you’re new to Zen Buddhism, here are some tips for approaching Choi Gyeong-mook’s Story of Zen:

* Start Slowly: Don’t try to understand everything at once. Read a few stories at a time and allow them to sink in.

* Meditate Regularly: Zen meditation techniques can deepen your understanding of the teachings. Even 10-15 minutes a day can make a difference.

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