For the fourth lecture of the research project "Text, Action, and Healing: Reading and Interpretation of Buddhist Scriptures and Practice Education," organized by the Center for Buddhist Studies at Fo Guang University, Assistant Professor Chen Qing-Yu of the Center for General Education at the National Defense Medical Center was invited on November 30, 2022. He spoke on the topic "From the Gap of Buddha Nature to the Aesthetics of Blankness." The session was hosted by Project Director and Dean of the College of Buddhist Studies, Prof. Guo Chao-Shun, with approximately 50 faculty members and students attending at Yunshuixuan.
Prof. Chen discussed the rationale for approaching Buddha Nature through the "Gap," the definition of the "Gap," the "Divergence" (Écart) of the "between," and the gap in the sense of "non-between." He covered the minuteness of the gap, the infinity of the gap, the relationship between infinity and the sense of blankness, the blankness of language and aesthetic experience, and finally, the aesthetic practice of blankness. He also alluded to the concept of Buddha Nature through the Chan Buddhist concept of "seeing one's true nature to realize the mind" (mingxin jianxing).
The gist of the lecture pointed out that the philosophy of the "Gap" creates certain issues when viewed from an ontological perspective. Secondly, Prof. Chen proposed two types of gaps: 1. The gap of "between," using physics as a metaphor to describe the space between two substantial entities; 2. The gap of "non-between," introducing the concept of médiation (mediation). From this extends an aesthetic concept related to bodily sensation—that is, in the process of impermanent change, we can experience an indescribable feeling. This corresponds to the "Spirit" (Ling) within the triad of Body, Mind, and Spirit, which is the "Aesthetics of Blankness."
Prof. Guo shared his observation that Prof. Chen placed significant emphasis on the concept of "Flux," within which various gaps arise. This "continuous change" corresponds to the Buddhist concept of Samanantara-pratyaya (condition of immediate contiguity), referring to the stream of consciousness being continuous yet allowing for difference, which constitutes "Impermanence." Furthermore, Prof. Chen interpreted "seeing one's true nature" from the perspective of the Chan saying "Originally there is not a single thing," which leans towards Prajna and Madhyamaka philosophy, using this to describe "Buddha Nature." However, Prof. Guo noted that Buddhism also maintains a stance of discussing "seeing one's true nature" from the perspective of the real merits and virtues of the Tathagatagarbha.
This lecture demonstrated the complexity and depth of French philosophical aesthetics while opening a pathway for dialogue between the "Philosophy of the Gap" and Buddhism.
Assistant Professor Chen Qing-Yu delivering the lecture "From the Gap of Buddha Nature to the Aesthetics of Blankness."
The fourth lecture of the interdisciplinary project attracted approximately 50 faculty members and students to Yunshuixuan.
The lecture was hosted by Prof. Guo Chao-Shun and conducted with simultaneous online video conferencing.
This lecture opened a pathway for dialogue between the "Philosophy of the Gap" and Buddhism. Pictured are graduate students listening attentively and taking notes.