leafs
京城
菩萨蛮
In my message photographs, I added Writings from波罗密多心经， I named it菩萨蛮because of the strong connection between them. Emptiness and Illusion: The Heart Sutra emphasizes the concept of emptiness (空), stating that all phenomena are devoid of inherent existence. This idea is encapsulated in phrases like “form is emptiness, emptiness is form” (色即是空，空即是色). Similarly, 菩萨蛮 often reflects on themes of transience and the illusory nature of love and desire, portraying emotional experiences as fleeting and often tied to suffering.
菩萨蛮 is a traditional Chinese poetic form that originated in the Tang Dynasty. It is both a lyric and a musical piece, initially associated with the performances of the female dancers from the southern region known as the “Nüman” (女蛮) during the Tang Dynasty. These dancers were noted for their elaborate attire, which included high hairstyles and ornate jewelry, resembling the appearance of bodhisattvas, hence the name “菩萨蛮” (Bodhisattva Barbarian).
The lyrics often express deep emotions, particularly those related to love and longing. The style is characterized by its delicate and romantic imagery, making it a popular choice among poets. The message of 菩萨蛮, a traditional Chinese poetic form, often revolves around themes of love, longing, and the complexities of human emotions. This form, which originated in the Tang Dynasty, is characterized by its lyrical beauty and rich imagery, frequently reflecting the inner feelings and experiences of the poets.
The 万字符 (Wàn zì fú), commonly known as the swastika, is an ancient symbol with significant cultural and religious implications, particularly in Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism. It has two primary forms: 卍 (right-facing or clockwise) and 卐 (left-facing or counterclockwise). In Buddhism, the swastika represents auspiciousness and is often associated with the Buddha. It is considered one of the thirty-two marks of a great man (Mahāpuruṣa) and symbolizes the Buddha’s teachings. The character is used in various Buddhist rituals and is frequently found in Buddhist art and architecture. 卍 (Wàn): This right-facing version is generally associated with auspiciousness and is commonly used in Buddhist contexts. It signifies harmony and balance. 卐 (Wàn): The left-facing version can have different connotations depending on the cultural context but is often linked to different interpretations of the same auspicious meanings. The writing in this photograph is also a passage from the 波罗密多心经. Personally, I am not a Buddhist but I did study the concept of the 波罗密多心经. The sutra famously states, “Form is emptiness, emptiness is form” (色即是空，空即是色). This highlights that all physical forms and experiences are transient and lack inherent existence. Everything we perceive is interconnected and ultimately empty of a permanent essence. In this photograph, the phrase 无无明，亦无无明尽，乃至无老死，亦无老死尽 serves as a profound reminder of the nature of reality in Buddhist thought. It highlights how ignorance, suffering, and their cessation are interrelated concepts that dissolve in the light of wisdom and emptiness. Understanding this passage encourages practitioners to seek deeper insights into their experiences, ultimately leading them toward enlightenment and liberation from suffering.
Mind Map
Mood board
Artist research
前行
Pure inspiration comes from life, and I truthfully believe in this. I am not someone who enjoys socializing or clinging to the internet. I prefer to go out with just my phone, headphones, and camera, wandering aimlessly to capture my inspirations, experiencing life alongside others while also observing and analyzing it alone. Photography, for me, is not merely about capturing images; it’s about translating moments into emotions. Ultimately, photography is an extension of my belief that pure inspiration comes from life itself. It encourages me to remain present, to engage deeply with the environment around me. I was not inspired by any photographer specifically, in fact I didn’t even think about taking any photographs that day. I was just wandering around in London and came across this park. The reflection of the lake and the combination with different animals creates a peaceful feeling to my busy lifestyle. I believe the most beautiful fragments always come from the most ordinary moments in life.
