Existence A Story
Existence A Story by David Hinton, published by Shambhala Publications on August 9, 2016, is a 152-page exploration of the mystery of existence as expressed through a single Chinese landscape painting. In this work of meditative philosophy, Hinton, a noted translator of Chinese classics, examines the painting “Peaceful-Distance Pavilion” by Shih-t’ao. He delves into the profound relationship between consciousness and the cosmos, revealing insights into the dynamic interplay of absence and presence.
Readers will find a thoughtful examination of how art can illuminate philosophical concepts, particularly within the realms of Eastern philosophy and mindfulness. Hinton’s unique perspective encourages a deeper understanding of the painting’s imagery, guiding readers through the vast landscape depicted and inviting them to reflect on the intricate connections between emptiness and existence. This edition serves as both a visual and intellectual journey, offering a fresh lens through which to view the world and our place within it.
Official synopsis Publisher
The mystery of existence and our place in that mystery–as expressed in a single Chinese landscape painting: a new work of meditative philosophy by the renowned translator of the Chinese classics and author of Hunger Mountain.
Join David Hinton, the premier modern translator of the Chinese classics, as he stands before a single landscape painting, discovering in it the wondrous story of existence—and as part of that story, the magical nature of consciousness. What he coaxes from the image is nothing less than a revelation: the dynamic interweaving of mind and Cosmos, and the glorious dance of Absence and Presence that is the secret of that Cosmos.
The painting called Peaceful-Distance Pavilion by Shih-t’ao (1642-1707) is, like other paintings in that genre, mostly space: one tiny figure, accompanied by an attendant, looks out over a vast landscape of mountains and clouds. But start looking into that space and, with the right guidance, what you end up seeing is profound. David Hinton is the perfect guide. He uses his knowledge of Chinese philosophy, poetry, art, language, and writing system to illuminate this painting’s message, which is ultimately the story of the glorious dance between nothing and everything, between emptiness and existence. It’s an enthralling journey that can change the way you look at the world, a journey for which David is a wise and eloquent guide.
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