Mastery

“It took me a lifetime.” ― Pablo Picasso

In the 90s, while I was an art student at the Uni, I focused on big ideas and concepts. I bought into the idea that I was an avant-guard. I joined a group of art students, and we called ourselves the "renegades." I focused on gaining attention from the public and other students by doing outrageous and shocking installations and performances. The primal reason was the desire to gain fame and notoriety rather than mastering any art-making skills. And basically, I was a lazy student because learning skills take time, commitment, effort, and attention. I had little of most of these characters. And I thought whatever I created would be transformative if I had good ideas. I thought that I would transform or save humanity through my creative intentions.

Ha! What a joke that was :). Of course, it was the mind of a young 20s-year-old person filled with ego and lack of self-worth.

Now, in my 50s, after many years of traveling and entirely divorced from creating artwork for almost two decades. I often found myself being so inspired by many street arts on abandoned structures, falling walls, and street alleys. For example, my recent trip to Mexico reminded me of pure joy in creation. I found myself appreciating the endeavors in presenting an idea, a concept, or a story in most street arts; simultaneously, I admired the mastery and the skills that came from unknown creators, especially street artists, who didn't beg for any audience or notoriety. I find them much more refreshing than my days putting on a show or exhibition at local galleries. I remember how pretentious I was. I didn't make art for myself. I made art to get notoriety during these years of development.

Now, I tried to see creating, doing or learning any form of activities as just a way to feed my curiosity and learn how to master a skill set that I never took the time to develop. I find myself learning how to draw or sketch again, hoping to acquire some mastery over a bit of skill in creativity, such as shading or color theory. I like the "grand" concept of creating, not for any grandiose intentions. And indeed, it will be far from any purpose of saving humanity. Creation is the nature of being and becoming. It is a passing activity with some attention and intention.

It's just a meditative practice.

A Brief Reflection on Mastering The Basic

by Quan NGUYEN 3/05/2023

Radical acceptance has been one of the pillars of spiritual teachings. The concept of salvation is the central tenet of Christian teaching. Bhati yoga is one of the spiritual paths within Hinduism centralized in terms of complete surrendering and loving devotion toward Brahman. The Buddha's teachings inquire all its disciples to dwell within and realize the state of wisdom insights, Satori (悟り), of the nature of impermanence, Aniccā vata Sankhārā, "Impermanent, alas, are all formations!" Through profound observation of the Way of nature, Laozi, the Taoist philosopher, developed the philosophical practice of Wu wei (无为). In shamanistic traditions throughout human history, the foundation of its essential premise is that an invisible Force permeates the lives of all visible and invisible manifestations and the cosmos. It is for us to live in alignment with this energy. Joda, the Jedi master, reminded and blessed all his young padawans, "Feel the Force!" It is surrendering to the force that wisdom insight arises and allows us to move through life with ease.

Cultivating a deep practice with a developed capacity to live in the awareness of radical acceptance is the key to gaining wisdom for liberation. The acquired skill of mindful awareness of reality as it is without resistance, avoidance, or judgment and coming to terms with life challenges or sufferings will lead us to a more profound wisdom of the true nature of our existence.

The wisdom gained from the radical acceptance, through pure awareness of accepting and embracing, even surrendering to the psychological and physiological changes, can lead us to greater peace, clarity, and resilience. Sages after sages from historical times to the present pointed out this truth in many teachings. Yet, many of us develop the profound practice of radical acceptance into daily living.

In the depth of practicing radical acceptance, the nature of reality reveals itself. Laozi, an ancient Chinese Taoist philosopher and the father of Taoism, revealed the nature of reality through the wisdom and practice of Wu wei (无为) from the infamous 81 chapters of the Tao Te Ching, emphasizing the importance of allowing nature to take its natural course and recognizing non-action or non-doing sometimes is the best action. Living in the wisdom of Wu wei (无为), being in tune with the natural rhythms of life, and responding according to its natural motions. The Buddha, the enlightened one, taught us this natural movement of all existence in the cosmos as impermanence, the nature of change. It's living in tune with the natural rhythms of life as it allows us to stay in a state of pure awareness, relaxed, spontaneous, and responsive to respond to the needs of the ever-changing nature of existence. This wisdom allows us to achieve true peace and happiness while living in harmony with the universe and effortlessly achieving our goals.

A brief reflection on the teaching of Radical Acceptance by Dr. Quan NGUYEN 02/24/2023