Word: buddhism
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Through Chinese domination, however, Buddhism consolidated its hold over Korea by A.D. 527 and for almost a millennium served as the chief source of inspiration. Granite caves were carved with figures of the "Enlightened One," and hundreds of effigies were made for temples. These Buddhas gradually took on a distinctly Korean look. More naturalistic, more linear and more attenuated than the Chinese models, they also began to reflect the features of their creators: faces grew rounder and cheekbones higher. Head bent in contemplation, a bronze Maitreya (a young Buddha) possesses a native spontaneity and grace. Similar figures later appeared...
...Politics of Englightenment: Buddhism in Society--Robert Thurman, professor of Buddhist Studies, Amherst College, Andover Hall...
What stands out more than their conversion, though, is the confusion that preceded it. Only in retrospect can he call it confusion. Whatever Matthiessen was doing at any given time made as much sense to him then and held as much meaning as Buddhism holds for him now. Buddhism works differently, but really is no different than anything else he has tried. He hasn't really changed...
...Buddhism tells Matthiessen that when he is ready to see a snow leopard he will, that one will appear, and that if one doesn't, it is because he is not ready. Yet, unable to practice the restraint he should, he is disappointed when he doesn't see the feline; worse yet, he knows his disappointment is wrong...
...whole life and upbringing work against him. The Western way is to seek--seek and ye shall find. Schaller baits a cat, and though he doesn't see that one, he later sees another one. Buddhism preaches just the opposite--ready yourself and it will come, you will perceive. These two tenets ensnare Matthiessen. He is too locked into his new-found Buddhist ways to question them. At the same time, he is too locked into the Western tradition to accept Buddhism without having to try to adopt it--which seems to defeat the purpose...