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Question: Zeami famously stated that “the flower is the mind and its seed the performance.” How is the relationship between one’s inner state and one’s body understood in the cultivation of traditional Japanese arts?

23 Oct 2022,12:28 AM

 

Zeami famously stated that “the flower is the mind and its seed the performance.” How is the relationship between one’s inner state and one’s body understood in the cultivation of traditional Japanese arts? What part does bodily practice play in attaining a high level of artistic and spiritual refinement? Illustrate your answer with reference to our readings about Nō acting and Japanese swordsmanship, but also take into account views on the matter articulated by modern scholars Yuriko Saito and Yasuo Yuasa. The following readings are possible resources for this essay. Be sure to consider perspectives articulated in at least two of the following readings.

Yasuo Yuasa, “Theories of Artistry,” The Body, esp. pp. 104-106.
Takuan, “Mysterious Record of Immovable Wisdom,” Unfettered Mind, 4-20.
Zeami’s writings, in W. T. de Bary, et al., eds. Sources of Japanese Tradition, 2nd ed., vol. I,
364-372; 376-383.

Expert answer

 

The relationship between one's inner state and body is understood as reciprocal and interconnected in the cultivation of traditional Japanese arts. The mind or spirit (kokoro) is seen as the source of creative energy, while the body is the vessel through which this energy is expressed. This interdependence means that if the body is not healthy or properly trained, the mind will be unable to express its full potential. Similarly, if the mind is not focused or disciplined, the body will not be able to perform at its best. Therefore, both mind and body must be cultivated in order to produce excellent results in any art form.

 

This balanced approach to training is also evident in Zeami's statement that "the flower is the mind and its seed the performance." The flower refers to the mind or spirit, which is the source of creative energy. The seed refers to the body, which is the vessel through which this energy is expressed. This analogy underscores the importance of nurturing both mind and body in order to produce excellent results in any art form.

 

Traditional Japanese arts place a strong emphasis on developing inner beauty and self-awareness. This is because it is believed that the key to excellent performance lies within the performer themselves. If the mind and body are not in harmony, the performance will be forced and unnatural. Therefore, traditional Japanese arts aim to cultivate a sense of ease and Flow state (in which one is completely focused and present in the moment) in order to allow performers to fully express their creative potential.

 

The focus on inner beauty and self-awareness also leads to a more holistic understanding of the relationship between mind, body, and spirit. In traditional Japanese arts, this relationship is understood as interdependent and reciprocal. The mind or spirit is seen as the source of creative energy, while the body is the vessel through which this energy is expressed. This interdependence means that if the body is not healthy or properly trained, the mind will be unable to express its full potential. Similarly, if the mind is not focused or disciplined, the body will not be able to perform at its best. Therefore, both mind and body must be cultivated in order to produce excellent results in any art form.

 

This balanced approach to training is also evident in Zeami's statement that "the flower is the mind and its seed the performance." The flower refers to the mind or spirit, which is the source of creative energy. The seed refers to the body, which is the vessel through which this energy is expressed.

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