The octopus is considered one of the marine life. Its existence is shrouded in mystery. Many legends are associated with it, among various peoples it caused both fear and delight. Tattoo with this animal is not done too often. The most common meaning of an octopus tattoo is immortality, due to the presence of 3 hearts.
In men, the octopus is considered a symbol of an independent personality. Eight-legged live alone, tend to be as far away from their relatives as possible. Secrecy, isolation, independence - these are the meanings for an octopus tattoo on the arm.
In addition, the mollusk indicates a strong and brave character. Folk legends say that talismans with his image provide protection from evil. The octopus pattern makes the wearer more confident. For this reason, guys who appreciate a solid and strong character create a similar tattoo.
However, the image can also have a negative meaning. The octopus is able to change its color, so it is associated with hypocritical people. However, today he is more often associated with a fickle person.
The aggressive picture, where a huge octopus kills its own prey, is very provocative. Its carrier shows that he is superior to other people, has sadistic inclinations and denies social principles.
For women
In an octopus tattoo, the meaning for girls is to demonstrate strength, self-confidence, and independence. Also, a similar picture can symbolize motherhood. It is perfect for those who have many children. It's a good idea to write your own child's name on each tentacle.
If a woman likes to live brightly, with constant changes, then the image of this mollusk will reflect this just in time. He is considered the king of inconstancy, because he can change color several times a day.
Girls who have suffered a divorce or other difficult event, after which they have successfully recovered, put an octopus tattoo on their skin. She shows that the bearer recovered from the loss, adapted to life.
In places of detention
The mollusk is considered an intelligent animal. For this reason, a similar pattern is applied to the skin by the leaders of various gangs. They come up with complex schemes and don't get caught by the police.
There is an opinion that the animal brings good luck. This is due to the number of his paws. Eight is considered a lucky number in prisons. In view of this, those inmates who are not too lucky create such an image.
For an octopus tattoo, the meaning in the zone is a successful escape from a crime scene. Usually the mollusk is depicted with a crown. Also, the drawing of an octopus on the skin is made by those who are caught red-handed.
Symbolism among the peoples of the world
The octopus was often applied to the skin by sailors going on a long voyage. They believed that he would protect them from misfortunes, the evil eye, and bad thoughts. People believed that his image would save from death in the depths of the ocean.
The octopus is an ambiguous animal, because people treat it differently, so some feel fear at the sight of it, while others, on the contrary, admiration. That is why, there are different meanings of the octopus tattoo, which depend on the image itself and the culture of the people. In most cases, such an image is considered mystical.
What does an octopus tattoo mean?
The peoples living near the sea consider this mollusk a deity and patron of the deep sea. People believed that he could create whirlpools by destroying ships. Because of this, many sailors applied images of an octopus to their bodies, believing that in this way they receive, which will protect against death and various negativity on the road. Finding out what an octopus tattoo means, it is worth mentioning another common option - since the mollusk has three hearts, it is considered a symbol of immortality. It is known that a huge number of people are afraid of these animals, so the tattoo was also considered a symbol of evil and darkness.
The modern interpretation of the octopus tentacle tattoo is associated with cyclicity, so this pattern is considered a symbol of eternity and longevity. People believe that such a tattoo helps to move forward. Another meaning is due to the fact that the mollusk is able to change the color of its body depending on the state of the environment. In this case, the drawing of the animal is a symbol of inconstancy and hypocrisy. Given the fact that the octopus restores them after losing its tentacles after a while, its tattoo is a symbol of a person’s desire to continue moving, despite any problems and trials. One of the mystical meanings of the tattoo is associated with the number of tentacles, which, as you know, are exactly 8. This figure, inverted, is a sign. Another meaning, which is mainly invested in women's octopus tattoos, is associated with the ability of a mollusk to lay about 150 thousand eggs in a lifetime. Such a pattern is considered the personification of fertility and motherhood.
Etymology
Of all the names of this branch of Buddhism, its Japanese name (actually "Zen") has received the widest popularity in the West. The etymology of this word has its roots in the Sanskrit-Pali term "dhyana/jhana" (Skt. ध्यान, dhyāna, from ध्या, dhyā, "concentration, reflection"), meaning "(mental) concentration".
The pronunciation of this word has undergone a transformation in Chinese into "chan" (cf. Vietnam. thien; box sleep or sen), then, spreading in Japan - in "Zen".
At present, the word zen stand for (1) the actual teaching and practice of Zen; (2) the tradition in which these teachings and practices are transmitted - zen buddhism, zen school. Another (official) name for the Zen tradition is Buddha's Heart (Chinese Fo Xin); can also be translated as Mind of the Buddha.
Story
It is generally accepted that Zen spread in China in the 5th century AD. e. The Indian Buddhist monk Bodhidharma (in the Chinese tradition - Putidamo or simply Damo, in the Japanese - Daruma), often called the successor of 27 Indian Patriarchs of Buddhism, who later became the first Patriarch of Zen (Chan), is considered to have brought this teaching of the Buddha to China. Bodhidharma settled in the Shaolin Monastery, considered today the cradle of Chinese Chan Buddhism. During the 6th-8th centuries, Zen spread to the territory of Korea, and then to Japan. Subsequently, over the centuries, the teaching was passed from patriarch to patriarch, gaining more and more adherents. Currently, it has become widespread in the West (Western Europe, North America).
Brief essence of the doctrine
It is believed that Zen cannot be taught. One can only suggest the way to achieve personal enlightenment.
(More precisely, there is no such thing as enlightenment to be possessed. Therefore, Zen masters ("masters") are more likely to say not "attain enlightenment" but "see one's own nature." (Enlightenment is not a state. It is a way of seeing .))
Besides, way to a vision of one's own nature - for each his own, since each is in his own conditions, with his own baggage of experience and ideas. That's why they say that in Zen no definite path, there is no one specific input. These words should also help the practitioner don't change your awareness the mechanical execution of some practice or idea.
It is believed that the Zen teacher must see his own nature, because then he can correctly see the state of the "student" and give him the appropriate instructions or push for him. At different stages of practice, the “student” may be given different, “opposite” advice, for example:
- “meditate to quiet the mind; try harder";
- “don’t try to achieve enlightenment, but just let go of everything that happens”…
According to general Buddhist ideas, there are three root poisons from which all suffering and delusion arise:
- ignorance of one's nature (cloudiness of the mind, dullness, confusion, anxiety),
- disgust (to "unpleasant", the idea of something as an independent "evil", generally hard views),
- attachment (to the pleasant - unquenchable thirst, clinging) ...
Therefore, awakening is promoted by: (1) calming the mind, (2) liberation from hard views, and (3) from attachments.
The two main types of regular Zen practice are sitting meditation and simple physical labor. They are aimed at calming and unifying the mind. When the self-churning ceases, "the haze settles", ignorance and restlessness decrease. A clearer mind can more easily see its nature.
At a certain stage, when the practitioner has calmed the mind, a good mentor - seeing the "obstruction" in the practitioner's mind, such as hard views or attachment - can help to get rid of it. (Thus, the path of the Zen practitioner is both the opening of "one's" wisdom and not the closing off of "their" wisdom. Rather, it is the removal of the false barrier between "my" wisdom and the "alien".)
Many Zen masters claim that the practice may be "gradual" or "sudden", but the awakening itself is always sudden - or rather, not gradual. It is simply discarding the superfluous and seeing what is. Since this is just a discard, it cannot be said that it somehow achieved. Or that there are "disciples" and "mentors" in it. Teachers can transfer Dharma teachings- that is, the ideas and methods of Zen. Dharma Mind, that is, the essence of enlightenment, is already present. She doesn't need any achievements.
So, the practice and teaching of Zen is aimed at: (1) calming the mind, (2) liberation from rigid views, (3) letting go of attachments. This facilitates the vision of one's own nature, which itself is beyond all practice and all paths.
In general, the same is true for the rest of the Buddhist traditions; this school - Zen - aims at maximum simplicity and flexibility of methods and concepts.)
Zen Buddhism denies the superiority of the intellect over pure experience, considering the latter, together with intuition, to be faithful helpers.
The main principles of Buddhism on which Zen is based:
The main difference between Zen and other branches of Buddhism
In Zen, the main attention on the path to achieving satori is paid not only (and not so much) to the Holy Scriptures and sutras, but to direct comprehension of reality based on intuitive insight into one's own nature.
According to Zen, anyone can achieve satori.
The four key differences of Zen are:
- Special teaching without sacred texts.
- Lack of unconditional authority of words and written signs.
- Transmission through direct reference to reality - in a special way from heart to heart.
- The need for awakening through awareness of one's own true nature.
"Don't Make Written Instructions"
"Pass on the tradition without precepts"
"Point Directly at the Human Heart"
"Look into your nature and you will become a Buddha"
According to legend, the beginning of the Zen tradition was laid by the founder of Buddhism himself - Buddha Shakyamuni (5th century BC), who once raised a flower in front of his students and smiled (“Flower Sermon of the Buddha”).
No one, however, except for one person - Mahakashyapa did not understand the meaning of this gesture of the Buddha. Mahakashyapa answered the Buddha by also holding up a flower and smiling. In that moment, he experienced awakening: the state of awakening was given to him by the Buddha directly, without instructions, verbal or written.
One day the Buddha was standing in front of a gathering of people at Vulture Peak. All the people were waiting for him to start teaching awakening (dharma), but the Buddha was silent. Quite a lot of time has passed, and he has not yet uttered a single word, in his hand was a flower. The eyes of all the people in the crowd were turned to him, but no one understood anything. Then one monk looked at the Buddha with shining eyes and smiled. And the Buddha said: "I have the treasure of seeing the perfect Dharma, the magical spirit of nirvana, free from the impurity of reality, and I gave this treasure to Mahakashyapa." This smiling monk turned out to be just Mahakashyapa, one of the great disciples of the Buddha. Mahakashyapa's moment of awakening happened when the Buddha raised a flower over his head. The monk saw the flower for what it was and received the “seal of the heart,” to use Zen terminology. The Buddha transmitted his profound understanding from heart to heart. He took the seal of his heart and made an impression with it on the heart of Mahakashyapa. Mahakashyapa was awakened by the flower and his deep perception.
Thus, according to Zen, the tradition of direct ("from heart to heart") transmission of awakening from teacher to student began. In India, awakening was passed on in this way for twenty-eight generations of mentors from Mahakashyapa to Bodhidharma himself - the 28th patriarch of the Buddhist school of contemplation in India and the first patriarch of the Buddhist school of Ch'an in China.
Bodhidharma said, "The Buddha directly conveyed Zen, which has nothing to do with the scriptures and doctrines you study." So, according to Zen - the true meaning of Buddhism is comprehended only through increased self-contemplation - "look into your nature and become a Buddha" (and not as a result of studying doctrinal and philosophical texts), and also "from heart to heart" - thanks to the tradition of transmission from teacher to student.
In order to emphasize the principle of the immediacy of this transmission and to eradicate the students' attachment to the letter, image, symbol, many Chan mentors of the early period defiantly burned sutra texts and sacred images. One could not even speak of teaching Zen, because it cannot be taught through symbols. Zen passes directly from master to student, from mind to mind, from heart to heart. Zen itself is a kind of “seal of the mind (heart)”, which cannot be found in the scriptures, since it is “not based on letters and words” - A special transmission of the awakened consciousness from the heart of the teacher to the heart of the student without relying on written signs- the transmission in another way of what cannot be expressed by speech - "direct indication", a kind of non-verbal way of communication, without which the Buddhist experience could never pass from generation to generation.
Zen Practices
Satori
Satori - "Enlightenment", a sudden awakening. Since all human beings inherently possess the capacity for enlightenment, the task of the Zen practitioner is to realize it. Satori always comes suddenly, like a flash of lightning. Enlightenment knows no parts and divisions, so it cannot be perceived gradually.
Awakening Methods
It is believed that in comparison with practical training "from heart to heart" - even the instructions of the Buddha himself play a secondary role in Zen Buddhism. For modern students - in addition to transmission from heart to heart, listening, reading, reflection are also necessary. The direct methods of pointing in Zen are more effective than reading books, but they do not imply complete abandonment of reading either.
For training, the master can use any method, but the most widespread practices are zazen (sitting meditation) and koan (a parable-riddle that does not have a logically substantiated answer).
Zen is dominated by instantaneous, sudden awakening, which can sometimes be brought about by specific techniques. The most famous of them is the koan. This is a kind of paradox, absurd for ordinary reason, which, having become an object of contemplation, stimulates awakening, as it were.
Meditative practice
Zazen practice
Zazen - meditation in the "lotus position" - requires, on the one hand, the utmost concentration of consciousness, on the other hand, the ability not to think about any specific problem. “Just sit” and, not paying attention to any thing in particular, perceive everything around you as a whole, to the smallest detail, knowing about their presence in the same way as you know about the presence of your own ears, without seeing them.
“The perfect man uses his mind like a mirror: he lacks nothing and rejects nothing. Accepts but does not hold
Instead of trying to clear or empty the mind, one should simply let it go, because the mind is not something that can be mastered. Letting go of the mind is the same as letting go of the flow of thoughts and impressions that come and go "into the mind". There is no need to suppress them, or hold them back, or interfere with their course. It is in zazen meditation that the action of the Taoist "wu-xin" - "no-mind" is practiced.
Koans
Stages of the Zen State of Mind
There were several stages of achieving "emptiness" of consciousness:
- "single-point consciousness" (yi-nian-hsin),
- "consciousness devoid of thoughts" (wu-nian-hsin),
- "non-consciousness" (wu-hsin) or "not-me" (wu).
These are the stages of “emptying” the consciousness and achieving shunyata or kun (Chinese), that is, emptiness, because one of the goals of Chan art is to create special conditions when the psyche is left to itself and works spontaneously, being globally holistic or transpersonal (in sense of co-existence or co-knowledge with other people and with the world).
Martial Arts Zen and Samurai Zen
Quite unexpectedly, the way to comprehend Buddhism has become something that contradicts one of the five fundamental Buddhist prohibitions - "refrain from killing." Probably it was in China, where Buddhism was subjected to the liberating influence of Taoism, that Zen destroyed the conventional ethical framework of Buddhism and, as an effective psycho-training, first joined the military disciplines. Today, Zen is already applied to all areas of activity, from playing the guitar to sex.
“Of all those gathered, only the closest disciple of the Buddha, Mahakashyapa, accepted the sign of the Teacher and barely perceptibly smiled in response from the corners of his eyes.” It is from this recognized canonical episode that the whole tradition of transmitting the teachings of Chan / Zen with the help of the so-called. "tricks" - any improvised and, it would seem, the most inappropriate things for this, secular and other activities, such as brewing tea, theatrical performance, playing the flute, the art of ikebana, composing. The same goes for martial arts.
For the first time, martial arts were combined with Zen as a body-developing gymnastics, and then also as a hardening of the spirit of fearlessness - in the Chinese Buddhist monastery of Shaolin.
Since then, Zen has been what distinguishes the martial art of the East from the Western sport. Many outstanding masters of kendo (fencing), karate, judo, aikido were adherents of Zen. This is due to the fact that the situation of a real fight, a fight in which severe injuries and death are possible, requires from a person precisely those qualities that Zen cultivates.
In a combat situation, a fighter does not have time to reason, the situation changes so quickly that a logical analysis of the enemy’s actions and planning his own will inevitably lead to defeat. Thought is too slow to follow such a technical action as a blow that lasts a fraction of a second. A pure consciousness, unclouded by unnecessary thoughts, like a mirror reflects any changes in the surrounding space and allows the fighter to react spontaneously, uncontrived. It is also very important during the fight the absence of fear, like any other emotions.
Takuan Soho (1573-1644), a Zen master and author of treatises on the ancient Japanese art of swordsmanship (now preserved in kendo techniques), calls the calmness of a warrior who has reached the highest level of skill unshakable wisdom. "AT You certainly see the sword about to strike you," says Takuan. " But don't let your mind "stop" there. Abandon the intention to contact the enemy in response to his threatening attack, stop making any plans for this. Just perceive the opponent's movements and don't let your mind "stop" there.»
The martial arts of China and Japan are, first of all, arts, a way of developing the "spiritual abilities of the samurai", the implementation of the "Way" ("tao" or "do") - the path of a warrior, the path of the sword, the path of the arrow. Bushido, the famous "Way of the Samurai" - a set of rules and norms for the "true", "ideal" warrior has been developed in Japan for centuries and absorbed most of the provisions of Zen Buddhism, especially the ideas of strict self-control and indifference to death. Self-control and self-control were elevated to the rank of virtue and were considered valuable qualities of the character of the samurai. In direct connection with bushido was also zazen meditation, which developed confidence and composure in the samurai in the face of death.
Zen ethics
Do not treat anything as good or bad. Just be an observer (witness).
Zen Aesthetics
The impact of Zen on the modern world
In the works of H. Hesse, J. Salinger, J. Kerouac, R. Zelazny, in the poetry of H. Snyder and A. Ginsberg, in the painting of W. Van Gogh and A. Matisse, in the music of G. Mahler and J. Cage, in philosophy of A. Schweitzer, in the works on psychology of C. G. Jung and E. Fromm. In the 60s. "Zen boom" swept through many American universities and gave a certain color to the beat movement.
Many psychotherapeutic schools have experienced the influence of Zen - such as Gestalt therapy and the founder Fritz Perls himself, as well as well-known trainings such as ECT.
John Enright, who worked for many years in Gestalt with Perls, in his book "Gestalt Leading to Enlightenment" directly wrote that he considers mini-satori to be the main goal of Gestalt therapy - the achievement of a special insight or catharsis - after which most old problems dissolve .
see also
Notes
Links
- Zen, Tao - texts of books (Zen Buddhism, Taoism) - in the electronic library on the website of Ki Aikido in Moscow
Contemplating the profile picture of Nobody, I thought ... "what kind of circle is this?" and now, drawn by curiosity, I came across an article with which I decided to acquaint you, perhaps someone also asked himself the question “what is this circle like?”))))
"... Continuing the theme of the works of Zen masters, first of all I will touch on an important point. Almost in all paintings and calligraphic works, this, one might say, key aspect, idea is visible. We are talking about Enso (Jap. "circle") - this is a calligraphic symbol in the form circles, usually associated with Zen.Enso is considered to symbolize enlightenment, strength, the universe, it is also called the circle of enlightenment.
Enso is perhaps one of the most popular characters in Japanese calligraphy - it is believed that the character and skill of the artist is shown in the way he draws enso. Only one who has a pure and whole spirit can create a true enso.
In the poem Shinjinmei (SHINJINMEI) by Zen master Sozan, there are the words:
…
If we remain at the two ends, how can we understand the whole?
If you do not concentrate on the original, then the dignity of the two ends will be lost.
Don't dwell on both prejudices and don't look for dualism.
…
There is a deep concept in the text that the circle is like a huge space, lacking nothing, and holding nothing in excess - everything is balanced. This statement is often used in enso paintings.
The earliest mention of enso in Zen painting dates back to around the eighth century.
The monk asked Master Isan to show what enlightenment, awakening is, how can this be depicted? To which the Master replied in bewilderment, "It's right in front of your nose, why should I try to express it with brush and ink?"
Then the monk turned to another master - Kyozan (Kyozan) for clarification. Kiozan drew a circle on a piece of parchment and said, “Thinking, contemplating this, and realizing this is the best second; without thinking, without thinking about it and realizing it is the best third”* (but he did not say that it was the best first).
Thereafter, Zen circles became the central theme of Zen art. Enso is depicted in a variety of forms: from an even symmetrical circle to a completely crooked and blurred (sometimes in several strokes), from thin and delicate to thick and massive. Most paintings have an accompanying inscription that gives the viewer a "hint" as to the ultimate meaning of a particular Zen circle.
Some primary types of Enso can be distinguished:
1. Mirror of Enso: a simple circle, without an accompanying inscription, relying only on the intuition of the viewer. As I understand it, the observer will be able to see in this his essence, his reflection, hence the name - a mirror.
2. Universal Enso: a circle that represents the cosmos, the embodiment of the absolute.
3. Lunar Enso: full moon, bright and clear, silently illuminating all existences without discrimination, symbolizes the enlightenment of man, the awakening of the Buddha - his nature.
4. Zero Enso: everything is one (or rather, not two) and everything is nothing, time and space are "empty", and at the same time they give rise to all existence.
5. Wheel of Enso: everything changes
