THE KOAN

Zen Buddhism affords a glimpse into the original nature of mankind, or the recognition of original man. It aims at disciplining the mind itself and making it its own master, through an insight into its proper nature. This delving into the real nature of one’s mind or soul is the main object of Zen Buddhism.

As a product of the Oriental mind, Zen’s unique character consists in the methodical training of the mind in order to open it to the state of satori, when all its secrets are revealed.

The way of spiritual training is based on koan methods. By “koan” is meant a paradoxical question, expression or action by the master. It is essentially a matter of master questions handed down in the form of anecdotes, which are submitted by the teacher to the student for meditation.

The koan consists of elements that contradict or are not accessible to a rational understanding of the world, but rather encourage intuitive contemplation beyond the surface of what we see. Unlike Western philosophy, koans emphasize the inadequacy of language and words, while stressing the importance of intuition over reason and logic in order to transform the self.

Using photography as a personal philosophical approach and given my special interest in Zen Buddhism, I have tried to explore beneath the surface of things by simplification, minimalism and abstraction, to awaken spiritual awareness and intuition vis-à-vis the symbolic.

The aim of this work is to use photography as a medium for meditation and creative invention by relating each photo to a specific koan case.  In this way, I try to show something by opening a door for everyone to go through and embark on their individual journey.