Painting, poetry and calligraphy all hold honored places within the history of Taoism. These art-forms are used to express the essential values of Taoism: a close observation and deep honoring of the rhythms of the natural world, and a child-like delight in simplicity, play and paradox.
They're also used as practices in and of themselves. The very act of creating a calligraphy, poem or painting can be a means of awakening more fully into the tremoring beauty of the present moment. In this case, it is the process as much as the artistic "product" that is important - though they are related.
In Laozi's time there were, of course, no computers. Nevertheless, I imagine him taking great delight in this lovely computer-animation by Ching Huang, called "The Way."
"The Way" begins with a swirling Yin-Yang symbol. What emerges next is a splash of pixel-paint representing the pulsing flow of qi through blossoming trees. Then a school of fish, floating on our screen, which becomes a beautiful lotus-pond.
I love this, and hope you enjoy it also!
Loved the YouTube video. An evolving, three-dimensional brush painting flowing with life… Thanks for sharing that one!
Ivan
Thanks for stopping by, Ivan ~ and I’m glad you enjoyed the video!