Creative Minds

#88039      72″ X 50″     ac

Since the introduction of Buddhism into China during the Tang Dynasty, the religious speculation of India has been greatly integrated into Chinese thinking, especially into the Taoist philosophy. Through ages, it flowered in the mixing Taoist-Buddhist folk worshiping in Taiwan where we find this illustration of Reincarnation depicting images of the “Ten Worlds” from heaven to hell.For the Christians, the Universe is created by God and Man is mad in the image of Him. The famous “Creation” by Michelangelo on the Sistine Chapel in Rome is its best illustration. Here we notice the separation of Man from God, as well as their connection, is manifested by the two “Hands”-Man is independent yet related to God. In the Buddhist teaching, the Universe is but the creation of Mind, so is the “human world”. Illusion is reality, reality, illusion; illusion and reality are the two faces of one thing. Life is but a reincarnation without end so is the suffering, except an escape through enlightenment and good conduct to become Buddha.One day Chen was attracted by an illustration of the “Ten Worlds” painted on the wall of a Taoist temple in Taiwan. Chen adapted it in this painting with his free interpretation of color and form. Chen put it under the two Hands by Michelangelo, treating them in Pointillism of a volcanic explosion.The synthesis here seems to say that even though Man is himself created, yet he creates the culture which is the reflection of his Mind. Heaven or hell, good or evil, peace or war, harmony or conflict depends on our choice and mind-setting.                      Do you agree with me?

 -T. F. Chen