SHIZEN
That which is, without the interference of the human animal despite the vanity and intelligence we presume.
Shizen (自然): a Japanese word that usually translates as “nature.” Falling rain the quiet stillness, and the soft light all come together to create a calm, comforting moment. These ideas, however, are intellectualisations where none are necessary. Even the intellectualising and objectifying of life, movement and response/fusion are the seeking of some sort of delusionary “control”.
The Japanese Philosophy of SHIZEN
SPONTANEOUS
We are taught to believe that when we use the word “naturally” it also refers to something that comes about spontaneously, without the interference of human beings or intention. Creativity, however, comes out of a vast and endless noosphere &/or biosphere. Naturally. Unaided by ideas of intention.
There are many myths that surround spontaneity when it comes to creativity. We are told that innovation and art comes about in flashes of insight and are really only for the select few, like Mozart or Einstein. But the truth is that it has more to do with knowledge and wisdom, and often repeated action, effort, and determination rather tthan sudden illumination.
Author Kevin Ashton writes in his book How to Fly a Horse: The Secret History of Creation, Invention and Discovery that, “creation is not a moment of inspiration but a lifetime of endurance.” So this brings me back to the point that we associate something as natural and spontaneous when in fact there may be a lot going on behind the scenes leading up to something that we are perceiving as magical, pure, or innate.
