1 L0tus 8 Seon/Zen Buddhism and Achrya Bodhidharma
Art works from Korea [DELHI]

Insang Song

The number 108 has a very significant spiritual meaning in Buddhism and other spiritual traditions. It is a number that symbolically represents all the worldly desires. The ultimate aim of the Buddha’s teaching is to be free from these 108 worldly desires and attain Nirvana (Moksha). It is mathematically known that 108 is very important number in the Universe. “May we exist in muddy water with purity, like a lotus” a Zen proverb Lotus symbolizes the purity of mind, speech and body as though rooted in deep muddy water (craving / desire) but grows above it and blooms with sweet fragrance.

Lotus is one of the eight auspicious symbols in Buddhism. The transmission of Zen teachings were handed down by the Buddha to Mahakshyapa with the symbol of lotus flower. In Seon/ Chan/ Zen tradition of Buddhism Bodhidharma is considered the first patriarch and founder of Martial arts (Kung-Fu) Over the centuries, art of painting has become integral part of Zen monastic life which has been practiced by monks/nuns and lay Buddhist practitioner. The Zen paintings appear very simple and amusing but they express deeper spiritual meaning. A Zen painter strokes his brush in deep concentration and paints his spiritual attainment and powerful simplicity of the nature. Zen Paintings resonate artist’s spiritual attainment. Most of the master work of Zen paintings has been created by advanced age artists who have spent a life time in disciplined Buddhist practices.