Exploring the heart of ZEN: Kotaro HATCH's Interpretation of Buddhist Concepts

Our current exhibition, Image of ZEN, Image of Buddha, features eight pieces, four of which are devoted to capturing the essence of Buddhist concepts through characters. These characters—Shin (心), Mu (無), Kuu (空), and Ze (是)—each represent profound ideas rooted in Zen and Buddhist philosophy. Below, we explore the meaning behind each character as envisioned by the artist, offering a deeper look at how these ancient concepts are brought to life.

Shin (心) – The Heart
The character "心" (Shin) represents the heart, not just in the physical sense, but in terms of the mind, spirit, and emotions. In Buddhism, the heart is often seen as the seat of awareness and consciousness. The artist reflects on this with an observation: “The heart is never constant; it is always changing. It’s important to always be aware of the shape of your own heart.”
In this piece, the heart is likened to water—constantly shifting, never settling into one form. This fluidity symbolizes the impermanence of emotions and thoughts, reminding us to stay attuned to our inner world. Just as water moves freely, so too does the heart in its responses to life’s joys and challenges. By capturing this movement, the artwork evokes a sense of mindfulness—an invitation to notice the subtle transformations in our inner selves.

Mu (無) – Nothingness
The character "無" (Mu) is one of the most elusive and important concepts in Zen, often translated as “nothingness” or “absence.” At first glance, Mu may suggest a void or emptiness, but within the philosophy of Zen, this "nothingness" carries much deeper significance. The artist reflects: “A simple translation would suggest that 無 means ‘nothing.’ But what exactly is absent? In the consciousness of Zen, nothingness paradoxically refers to a state in which everything is fulfilled.”
Here, Mu represents a fullness beyond material presence, a completeness that comes from the absence of craving, desire, or lack. It speaks to the Zen idea that true fulfillment arises when we no longer feel the need for anything more. The piece invites viewers to ponder the vastness of this "nothing" and to experience the quiet serenity of a mind free from attachment.

Kuu (空) – Emptiness or Sky
"空" (Kuu), while also translated as "emptiness," carries a different nuance from Mu. Kuu is literally translated as “sky,” and it evokes the vast, boundless nature of the heavens. Unlike Mu, which focuses on the absence of lack, Kuu emphasizes the infinite, unrestricted nature of emptiness. As the artist notes: “Like the vast sky, everything is expansive, and there are no locks or barriers that confine the mind.”
In Zen, Kuu suggests a state where the mind is open, free, and accepting of all things—unburdened by the limitations of thought or ego. This expansive state of emptiness embraces all possibilities, reflecting a heart that is wide open and unconfined. The piece captures this notion of openness, inviting the viewer to explore the limitless nature of the mind when it is free from preconceptions and limitations.

Ze (是) – Acceptance
The character "是" (Ze) can be understood as “this” or “acceptance.” It signifies the act of embracing the present moment and all it contains—both the positive and the negative. As the artist explains: “Rather than rejecting things that are difficult to accept, the idea is to embrace everything first and then make judgments about them.”
Ze encourages us to see the world as it is, without immediately labeling things as "good" or "bad." In the Zen mindset, acceptance comes before judgment. Only when we fully acknowledge the reality of a situation—without resistance or denial—can we begin to navigate it with wisdom and understanding. The piece evokes this philosophy of acceptance, encouraging viewers to approach life’s challenges with a sense of openness and compassion.

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Each piece in the Image of ZEN, Image of Buddha exhibition offers not just a visual experience, but an opportunity to reflect on the deeper meanings behind these characters. Whether it’s the ever-changing nature of the heart, the paradox of nothingness, the expansiveness of emptiness, or the wisdom of acceptance, these works provide a window into the timeless teachings of Zen.
We invite you to explore these concepts for yourself, and see how they resonate with your own experiences.