Like a spark flung out from a fire

'The Buddha is known as the one 'thus come', Tathagata. He has no more 'meaning' than a flower, than a tree; no more than the universe; no more than either you or I. And whenever anything is experienced that way, simply in and for and as itself, without reference to any concepts, relevancies, or practical relationships, such a moment of sheer aesthetic arrest throws the viewer back for an instant upon his own existence without meaning; for he too simply is - 'thus come' - a vehicle of consciousness, like a spark flung out from a fire' - Joseph Campbell, Zen Myths To Live By
Claude Vivier’s Siddhartha, inspired by Hermann Hesse's eponymous book depicting the spiritual journey of a young man seeking enlightenment, is one of the composer's few works for orchestra. Vivier's life and music reflected Joseph Campbell's view that "the first and foremost aim of Zen... is to break our net of concepts".

No review samples involved in this post. Any copyrighted material is included as "fair use" for critical analysis only, and will be removed at the request of copyright owner(s). Also on Facebook and Twitter.

Comments

Recent popular posts

Why new audiences are deaf to classical music

For young classical audiences the sound is the message

The Berlin Philharmonic's darkest hour

Who am I?

Classical music's biggest problem is that no one cares

Audiences need permission to like unfamiliar music

Classical music's $11 billion market opportunity

Jerry Springer rebel grabs Gramophone accolade

Music and malice in Britten's shadow

Classical music has many Buddhist tendencies