[Rathac]

I've explored this idea with other types of artists (martial artists, dancers, philosophers, and... unique others...), but not with your kind of artist. I'd be interested in getting your thoughts.

For those of you who have had experience, is there a similarity, or a link, between meditation and performing your art? Is your art enhanced, or modified, by use of traditional forms of meditation? Or is it a detriment?

If art can be construed as a form of meditation unto itself, does it accomplish the same, or similar, goals that you have when meditating in the traditional sense?

 

[TerryCurley]

I've explored this idea with other types of artists (martial artists, dancers, philosophers, and... unique others...), but not with your kind of artist. I'd be interested in getting your thoughts.

For those of you who have had experience, is there a similarity, or a link, between meditation and performing your art? Is your art enhanced, or modified, by use of traditional forms of meditation? Or is it a detriment?

If art can be construed as a form of meditation unto itself, does it accomplish the same, or similar, goals that you have when meditating in the traditional sense?

I guess a lot depends on what you consider meditation. Are we talking about consciously attempting to clear your mind as in 'mindful meditation' and being totally relaxed? Or are we talking about losing ourselves in our activities and being so focus all other things get blocked out?

I would answer - Yes - Traditional mindful meditation can enhance art, any art. Has it for me....well I haven't done any deliberate meditation in a long time though I use to all the time.

And Yes getting lost in what you are doing is a form of meditation, so I guess I meditate almost every day that way.

Interesting subject. I'm going to be interested in the responses on this thread.

 

[Rathac]

I guess a lot depends on what you consider meditation. Are we talking about consciously attempting to clear your mind as in 'mindful meditation' and being totally relaxed? Or are we talking about losing ourselves in our activities and being so focus all other things get blocked out?

It depends on the individual, and which they practice. Those two forms are valid, and can be applicable to the influence of art. The Dalai Lama has espoused that these are the primary two forms, if not the only two forms, of meditation--though he calls the second Analytical Meditation.

I am aware of a third, though it falls outside the influence of art in general.

 

[FanKi]

Yep. Art it's a way of meditation.
You can meditate doing art. And I will take the risk by saying this... Maybe, if you don't get that level/process of meditate while doing art, you won't be able to give the best of you.

What do you think about?

 

[TerryCurley]

Personally I think you are right FanKi. If you get into the zone you can do so much better artistically. It's like the right brain says...."Hey I got this"... and just leads you on. If you don't get in the zone and go with the flow the art comes out mechanical and forced. That's my opinion.

When I do a piece often it will come out great and then later I start getting analytical (left brain) about it and start fixing things that really didn't need fixing and totally ruin the piece.

 

[Susan Mulno]

Realizing first that I am an artist wannabe.

Meditation is a word with variant deffinitions.

The Bible tells me to keep hold on my thoughts, so transcendental meditation is out for me.

I do meditate on the Word however but not in a "lose yourself" way.

I could say I get "distracted" by art enough to lose track of time but it is in no way a meditation.

 

[Rathac]

"Transcendental Meditation," however, has a very specific definition (since it has a very specific method), though generally falls into the category of "empty minded meditation." It is often categorically denounced as evil and said to enable the mind to be more susceptible to sin.

Though, the Bible does advise its adherents to listen for the will of God. And there are many ways to do this which are considered to be meditative.

Romans 12:2, for instance: "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."

To lose one's self is not necessarily the same as not being in control of one's thoughts.

 

[Susan Mulno]

"Transcendental Meditation," however, has a very specific definition (since it has a very specific method), though generally falls into the category of "empty minded meditation." It is often categorically denounced as evil and said to enable the mind to be more susceptible to sin.

Though, the Bible does advise its adherents to listen for the will of God. And there are many ways to do this which are considered to be meditative.

Romans 12:2, for instance: "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."

To lose one's self is not necessarily the same as not being in control of one's thoughts.

Romans 12:2 is speaking on meditating, reading and studying God's Word, for that is where you find the good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Listening for the will of God comes from no other source, sources outside the Bible are not trustworthy.

How does one lose the self but keep their thoughts? You have my curiosity on that one.

 

[TerryCurley]

I'm concerned that we may be venturing into a religious discussion that is better off having out side of this forum.