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The Birth Of Creativity

One day on returning from work, in a relaxed mood, I hummed a tune that randomly popped up in my mind, as I pressed my face into a towel, to pat dry it.

It suddenly struck me that a high pitched note just came up very smoothly and effortlessly which, did not happen when I had frantically attempted several years before.

I was reminded of the Zen story, "The First Principle"

Kosen, a Zen master, was good at calligraphy. One cannot but admire his work on a gate on which, it is carved "The First Principle". The letters were carved on the gate replicating what he had sketched on a piece of paper. The gate still bears testimony to the beautiful work of the Master in Obaku temple, Kyoto, Japan.

The process of Kosen sketching those letters has become a beautiful and thought provoking Zen story.

When Kosen was engaged in sketching the letters, one of his disciples, rather a bold one, criticised the very first effort of Kosen, "Oh that is not good!"

Kosen tried his hand again the second time, "Worse than before!" said the disciple.

Kosen patiently attempted eighty four times, as the disciple watched denying proficiency in the work.

When the disciple stepped out of the room for a few minutes, Kosen seized the opportunity and made another attempt, but with the least distraction. Since he was not under the pressure of the scrutiny of his disciple, in a mind free state, absolutely relaxed, his hand simply moved its way to produce a masterpiece.

"That is a master piece!" said the disciple who just then stepped in.

When the mind rests, creativity is at its best!

By the way where are we heading  in this mad race?

I was just thinking.....

Comments

manojharisree said…
Very well said. I keep thinking of that while I hurry to reply to the client's "urgent' requests. Lot of people forget the material, intellectual & spiritual balance most of the time, including me :=)

regards
Manoj
30 November 2011 at 12:00
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