1/12: Read the "Shintoism" notes below and "Samurai notes" below. We'll need these to understand Rashomon. By the time of the story, samurai warriors were declining - not only in numbers, but also (especially for the short stories and for the film) in the morality of those who still called themselves Samurai.
weekend homework: Reading "Rashomon" and "In a Grove." You can find both of the stories in .pdf form here. The work you need to do is attached below.
1/9:In class today: “ The Zen master Ikkyu [Pat/Elise to us] was once asked to write a distillation of the highest wisdom. He wrote only one word: Attention.
The visitor was displeased. "Is that all?"
So Ikkyu obliged him. Two words now: Attention. Attention” (Offill 176).
Now let’s put into practice Ikkyu’s teachings as we dip into Japanese art (choose one of the Japanese paintings below). Your task is to go to the art piece on the wall labeled with your letter (bring your notecard from yesterday and a pencil/pen). Sit in front of the piece and attend. Do not write until I tell you to – just attend. Then, write on the back of the notecard and fill it.
Offill, Jenny. Dept. of Speculation. New York: Vintage Books, 2014. Print.
1/5: Zen art: Write down the letter in your blue book. Look at the two pieces of art on the page and make a list of what you notice (bullets). List figures you can see, colors, shapes, contrasts, feelings it evokes, etc. After you’ve made your list, read what’s on the page (the intention of the writing is to help you into the art). Now, armed with what you’ve read, with what you’ve observed and with your DEEP understanding of Buddhism and of Tao, reflect on the art, making connections to the writing, the philosophies, to your own observation and reaction, etc. At least 2/3 a page reflecting please.