Zen and the Art of William Shakespeare Essay - 2389 Words

Zen and the Art of Shakespeare Like all Buddhism, Zen is a means by which one can achieve Buddha-consciousness, or in effect total-consciousness. Total-consciousness means being aware of the true self and its role in regard to the infinite cosmos of all existence. This awareness allows one insight into or perhaps understanding of the Tao, the essential singularity to which all things belong. Understanding the Tao, for Taoists and Zen Buddhists alike, is the equivalent of Nirvana, loosely described as the utmost fulfillment of one’s existence. With all of it’s lofty, mystical terms and ideas, Zen Buddhism can seem very hard to talk about much less understand and follow. The beauty of Zen, though, is its practicality,†¦show more content†¦In reality, paradise exists under man’s nose, and in it man plays the role of God and Satan. Zen suggests that we have no good reason to escape this reality, and furthermore it is absurd to think that we really can. Ultimately, living in Zen is to live extemporaneously. When one truly lives in Zen there is no equivocation or deliberation. There is only action. Zen is the ever-present guiding force in the life of an individual who adheres only to living. Zen is far away from the individual who abides whether in thought or deed, in his own disillusions. In The Tempest, Prospero’s final scene is the most Zen-like expression in all of Shakespeare. By virtue of his spells and charms, Prospero has his enemies right where he wants them. Though with their high wrongs I am struck to th’ quick, he says. Yet with my nobler reason ‘gainst my fury do I take part. The rarer action is in virtue than in vengeance. They being penitent, the sole drift of my purpose doth extend not a frown further. (Tempest, V.i.20-30) Prospero proceeds to carry out his act of reconciliation by forgiving his enemies and freeing his slaves. These acts, though admirable from a moral standpoint are not necessarily expressions of Zen. Prospero’s Zen is expressed in: But this rough magic I do here abjure . . . . . I’ll break my staff, bury it certain fathoms in the earth, and deeper than did ever plummet sound I’ll drown my book. (Tempest.V.i.51-57) He has reached some state ofShow MoreRelatedEssay about 17th Century Culture2079 Words   |  9 PagesMany important pieces of literature were produced during the 17th century. One of the most prominent literary voices in history was William Shakespeare. He wrote and produced plays many famous tragedies during the early 1600’s such as Twelfth Night, Measure for Measure, Othello, Hamlet, Macbeth, and King Lear which many believe it was one of his best. Miguel de Cervantes became a legendary author when he penned the novel, Don Quixote de la Mancha. This lengthy and popular story â€Å"is considered a valuableRead Morewisdom,humor and faith19596 Words   |  79 PagesTable of Contents (with links) Walter G. Moss 1 Table of Contents (with links) 1 Wisdom, Perspective, and Values 2 Humor’s Contribution to Wisdom 4 Humor and Wisdom in Europe: Some Highlights 5 Renaissance Humor: Erasmus, Rabelais, Cervantes, Shakespeare 5 Two European Russians: Anton Chekhov and Vladimir Soloviev 9 Reflections on Humor from Nietzsche to the Theatre of the Absurd 12 Humor and Wisdom in the United States: Lincoln, Beecher, Twain, Sandburg, and Buchwald 17 From The Times (of London)Read MoreLet Majorship English4572 Words   |  19 PagesSpanish colonial period in the Philippine literature was the __________________. A. essay C. drama B. poetry D. short story 11. Who is known as the greatest dramatic poet of the Elizabeth Age? A. Sir Walter Raleigh C. William Shakespeare B. Edmund Spencer D. Christopher Marlowe 12. What narrative poem tells of the heroic exploits of great heroes? A. Ballad C. Epic B. Lyric D. Romance 13. Which of the following statements is not an accurate reflectionRead MoreDeveloping Management Skills404131 Words   |  1617 PagesLeale Senior Production Project Manager: Kelly Warsak Senior Operations Supervisor: Arnold Vila Operations Specialist: Ilene Kahn Senior Art Director: Janet Slowik Interior Design: Suzanne Duda and Michael Fruhbeis Permissions Project Manager: Shannon Barbe Manager, Cover Visual Research Permissions: Karen Sanatar Manager Central Design: Jayne Conte Cover Art: Getty Images, Inc. Cover Design: Suzanne Duda Lead Media Project Manager: Denise Vaughn Full-Service Project Management: Sharon Anderson/BookMasters