Full-Spectrum Zen
My exploration of “Feminine Zen” brought me to this visualization, which explores the relationship and confluence of feminine and masculine qualities of living Zen. Similar to my initial sketch Two Circles of Zen, the left circle represents a masculine approach to Zen, as I have generally experienced it. The right circle represents a complementary feminine approach, which was mostly absent or even directly devalued in my journey with Zen-style teachings. The overlapping middle offers a few words to represent the true heart of Zen as I have experienced it.
Note:
Corresponding concepts fall on the same lines horizontally.
The movement of each circle/path is toward the integrated center, where the full spectrum of qualities is available in responsive, dynamic relationship to life unfolding.
All words on this diagram are included for their positive aspects and rightful place in the ecology of presence. Most any quality of experience can fall out of balance and become counterproductive or even destructive.
Following is an excerpt from Part 4 of my (as yet unpublished) series of writings on Feminine Zen. Let me know if you are interested in this topic.
Authority
This is a good time to remind you that I am not an expert on Zen. I have never considered myself a Zen or Buddhist practitioner, even as I sat in dozens of Zen-inspired silent meditation retreats over 15 years. However, as I described in Part 1 of this series, something of Zen goodness seems to have woven its way into the fabric of my being.
At the same time, Zen and similar teachings that promote ideas of no-self, emptiness, or ego-annihilation — and the fellow humans associated with them — have not always served me well, to say the least. I have had a mixed relationship with this complex creature of collective evolution.
While I’m not an expert in Zen, I am, on occasion, recognized as the world’s leading authority of my own experience. It’s on the basis of this authority that I offer my perspectives. This series of articles shares my journey of healing and some of the many insights that have helped me along the way.
A Portrait of Zen
This diagram is an evolutionary leap from the initial sketch (Two Circles of Zen) I shared in Part 3. Here, I did my best to paint an accurate portrait of Zen from my current perspective. Like painting a portrait of a person, the artist looks from a particular angle and lighting, and does their best to capture a likeness and perhaps convey some of their spirit. It is just one of infinite angles, but it can be accurate and complete in itself.
Perhaps this angle of the portrait will help you look at and understand your own experience more deeply. Perhaps that understanding will support your process of healing and evolution. Perhaps you will see more clearly what practices and qualities best serve your unfolding. Or, perhaps your perspective will expand to honor more deeply the variety of experiences you observe in others — and respond more skillfully to them.
Everything represented here has its true and beautiful place in the big picture of awakening human consciousness. One side of the equation is not better than the other. The overlapping circles represent complementary aspects of one dynamic unfolding.
What’s Your Perspective?
If you agree or don’t agree with the placement of some of the words or even the whole diagram concept, great! Clarifying your point of view and how to articulate it is a beautiful thing!
“Where there is paradox there is Truth — if you have eyes to see.”
— Shunryu Suzuki
ℤ∈ℕn Diagrams ⊙ 2023-2025 by Maja Apolonia Rode
