Noh (能) is one of the traditional theater plays in the fourteen century’s Japan. It liberally means talent or skill in this Chinese character. But it implies a lot more in-depth. One of the key figures in this tradition is Zeami (世阿弥: 1363-1443). He was a Noh actor; at the same time, created playwrights and … Continue reading The Eye of Detachment
True Humility
Humility is one of the most important virtues in human history; many pearls of wisdom have kept on emphasizing it. And yet, it is one of the critical attributes that we always misunderstand. What is the value of humility? At a glance, it looks so counterintuitive from the perspective of survival of the fittest. For … Continue reading True Humility
Why Is There Something Rather Than Nothing?
One of the key fundamental questions in cosmology and metaphysics is this: "Why is there something rather than nothing?" If there is something, then there must be the beginning of something. So, another question is: Who or what created something? In cosmology, this beginning is the Big Bang. And if so, who or what caused … Continue reading Why Is There Something Rather Than Nothing?
Good Fruits of Faith
In the tradition of Christianity, usually in the context of the Protestant Reformation, there are so-called five conditional principles. Using the Latin words, the overarching concept is Five Solae. Sola or solae means alone or only. So, there are only five things that are supposed to be the foundation of Christianity. Sola scriptura (Scripture alone) … Continue reading Good Fruits of Faith
The Beauty of Wabi-Sabi
There are two bowls. One looks flawlessly brand new. The other is a bit deformed with cracks and stains, and yet looks clean, well-used, and maintained. Given these two options, which one we could call beautiful? The wabi-sabi aesthetics tells us the second bowl is "beautiful." There is another anecdote. One old Zen master instructed … Continue reading The Beauty of Wabi-Sabi
The Five Precepts
In Buddhism, there are five precepts that people are supposed to observe. There are a lot more for monks and serious practitioners. But in general, these five precepts could be the basis. There are various ways of sayings from the ancient Pali canons to Sanskrit versions to Chinese ones, and more. In English, we could … Continue reading The Five Precepts
Dionysian Attributes
Reflecting on the Apollonian and Dionysian dichotomy, I always recall one contemporary author, Nassim Nicholas Taleb. While our pursuit of knowledge is basically for the Apollonian order, his works remind us of the Dionysian chaos. Every few years Taleb released his book, and every time it reminded me of the Dionysian attributes. Let me introduce … Continue reading Dionysian Attributes
