Issue 3 (Mar 2023)

Buddhist Art Meditations (BAM) Journal

Self and not-self

BAM Journal Issue Three 2022-2023

BAM is an online journal aimed at exchanging ideas on connecting creative and Buddhist practices. We had the privilege to consider the submissions responding to the open call for creative interpretations of “Buddhist Art”. Some works may appear in more than one article, whereas others were left out this time, for consideration for future issues.

What was different for this issue was that we set out to with hopes to reflect on the theme of “self” and “not-self” and suggested some references (which you can find below) to seed the open call. As we considered the submissions and researched and contemplated on the topic, we began to sense the weight and complexity of the topic, that most of us were challenged and humbled by. Due to our struggles with the topic as well as other personal issues, although this issue was originally slated for Jan 2023, it was delayed. We are nevertheless grateful that instead of letting this project fall on the wayside, as with so many other independent art projects, we were able to regroup and finally present the articles and artworks for your contemplation. We apologise for the delay and appreciate your patience and understanding.

We are also accepting submissions for the next issue, so please feel free to send in your works. We want to expand the content range, to include articles that might be of interest to fellow Buddhist Artists. So, besides all forms of contemporary Buddhist Art, for the next issue, we are also planning to share different kinds of articles. This may include, but not limited to: reflections on exhibition or book reviews, interviews, essays on Buddhism or art or any aspects of Buddhist creative lifestyle, that you would like to share with fellow Buddhist creatives. For example, you could do a photo journal of a Buddhist temple or your experience at a retreat. Feel free to contact us about your content, or get in touch if with questions.
The deadline for submission is Jul 2023, for the next issue slated for Sep 2023, as we have decided to present BAM twice a year (instead of trying for three times), to better consolidate our efforts.

We dream for this zine to grow to become a regular accompaniment to your creative and Buddhist practices. May we all grow well in the Dhamma.

Thank you to all the contributors and thank you to the readers. We hope you will find the articles thought-provoking and helpful.


The Coordinators of BAM
Mar 2023

More about the focus Theme for Issue 3: “Self and Not-self”…

While we continued to welcome all Buddhist Art submissions, for issue 3 we planned for a special focus on the theme of “self and not-self” and invited artists to submit works to this open call.

“Not-self” or anattā, was one of the Buddha’s tools for putting an end to clinging. At its basis, this teaching is about how no unchanging, permanent self or essence can be found in any phenomenon.

‘All phenomena are not-self’ when one sees with discernment and grows disenchanted with stress, this is the path to purity.
(Dh 279)

Here are some references on the concept that you might find relevant:

Once you understand non-self, then the burden of life is gone. You’ll be at peace with the world. When we see beyond self, we no longer cling to happiness and we can truly be happy. Learn to let go without struggle, simply let go, to be just as you are – no holding on, no attachment – free.

All bodies are composed of the four elements of earth, water, wind and fire. When they come together and form a body we say it’s a male or a female, giving it names and so on, so that we can identify each other more easily. But actually there isn’t anyone there – only earth, water, wind and fire. Don’t get excited over it or infatuated
by it. If you really look into it, you will not find anyone there.
— NO AJAHN CHAH

Contributors

Submit your artworks or writings for the next issue.

Open call details here.

Coordinators

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