|
Abstract In the prosperous economic modern society, many people lack consciences in the process of pursuing their materialistic desires. Apart from indulging in vain satisfactions such as sound and light stimulations and material enjoyment, people’s life seems to be full of more confusioned. In view of this, the author chose to apply the lessons and feelings about “Śūnyatā” (emptiness) and “Nihsvabhāva” (no self-being) which is learned from reciting and transcribing the "Heart Sutra", combined with the love for the characteristics of "Oracle bone script", to the creation and the starting point of thinking and learning.
"Heart Sutra" is a core classic Buddhist scripture, which described the Buddhist outlook on life, universe, and practice. It is of great significance in the history of Chinese culture and philosophy. Its words have profound meanings, which can only be understood through the intuition of the soul and must be felt and perceived with life. "Heart Sutra" is not only a theory, but also a precious guideline for practice. Only through practice can we be awakened to “Nirodha” (ending) and “Marga” (path) as well as transcend “Dukkha” (suffering) and “Samudaya” (cause), collectively referred to as the "Four Noble Truths". For one who wants to get rid of “Avidyā” (ignorance) and disillusions, and attain “Suddhi” (purity) and ease, the "Four Noble Truths" can guide the direction and goal of life and explicate the relationship between life and the universe. The universe in which people live is called “Loka” (planet or world) which is governed by “Dukkha” and “Samudaya” (accumulation of suffering). Only by experiencing and practicing the "Eightfold Path" in daily life can people go for “Dharmadhātu” (realm of eternal truth) ,to depart from “Loka” by awakening to “Nirodha” and “Marga”.
“Oracle bone script” is a set of images of recording the ancestors’ lives. The characters are copied from real physical objects in the world, simple and cute, lively and interesting. The lines of its writing possess the aesthetic elements of calligraphy art, therefore, it is one of the calligraphy styles favored by the author. The author chose to use the understanding of "Heart Sutra" as a guide to carry out thematic research on the creation based on “Oracle bone script”. The author hopes that, through the “Oracle bone script”-based creation, to convey the thoughts and practices of the "Heart Sutra", return to a pure, simple, and peaceful life, and live to implement the true meaning of a pure mind, purity, and comfortableness. There is a total of 20 physical works. In addition to being exhibited publicly, these works are analyzed in Section 3 of Chapter 4.
This thesis includes the following five parts. The first chapter summarizes the research motivation and purpose, research scope and methods, and includes the explanation of terms. The second chapter is about the name of the "Heart Sutra" and the structure of its full text, the essentials of understanding "Heart Sutra", and the appreciation and analysis of the calligraphy works of "Heart Sutra". The third chapter is about the origin, the components, and the characteristics of “Oracle bone script”. The fourth chapter describes the generation of the creative concept based on the understanding of "Heart Sutra", the link between the characteristics of “Oracle bone script” and the creative concept, and the analysis of the works. The fifth chapter is the research review and future prospects for research.
Key words: "Heart Sutra", Meditation, Oracle bone script, Multimedia materials
|