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Cho - The translational Buddhism of Spring, Summer, Fall. copy

Introduction to Transnational Buddhism

  • Author: Francisca Cho

  • Publication: Contemporary Buddhism: An Interdisciplinary Journal, Vol. 15, No. 1, 2014.

  • Date of Publication: 20 March 2014.

  • Article Focus: Analysis of Kim Kiduk's film Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter ... and Spring as a reflection of the interplay between traditional Buddhist practices and contemporary influences.

Overview of Kim Kiduk’s Film

  • Film Type: Buddhist-themed film from South Korea.

  • Themes Explored:

    • Ritual practices of seeing and being seen by the Buddha.

    • Literary themes focusing on the cycle of karma.

  • Cultural Significance:

    • Reflects both Asian traditions and western influences.

    • A response to increased cultural exchange in Korea post-1990s.

Historical Context of Buddhism in Korea

  • Impact of Military Regimes: End of military rule in the 1990s allowed for greater cultural exchanges.

  • Western Influence: Introduction of western monks and translations of Buddhist texts increased western meditation practices in Korea.

  • Vipassana Meditation: Popularized by figures like Jon Kabat-Zinn, reflecting western adaptations of Buddhist practices.

Cinematic Techniques and Buddhist Narrative

  • Film Structure: Seasons symbolize cycles of life and the passage of time, depicting a cycle of cause and effect.

  • Characters:

    • Unnamed protagonist: Represents generic suffering and universal truths rather than a specific identity.

    • Buddhist Master: Symbolic of wisdom, detached yet deeply aware of the cyclical nature of life.

  • Visual Styles:

    • Use of panoramic shots evokes traditional Chinese landscape painting, emphasizing the vastness of nature.

    • Shot/reverse shot techniques emphasize interactions between characters and the Buddha image, enhancing themes of perception.

Central Buddhist Concepts in the Film

  • Law of Karma: The storyline illustrates actions and their consequences without direct intervention from the master.

  • Cycle of Seasons: Each season depicts different stages of life and the emotional transformations of the characters.

  • Bodhisattva Guanyin: Represents compassion and the awareness that encompasses the human experiences depicted in the film.

Interpretations of Rebirth and Cyclical Existence

  • Evolving Buddhist Thought:

    • Rebirth of characters, reflecting ongoing cycles of life and identity.

    • Symbolism of animals across seasons: progression from aquatic to terrestrial representing limited spiritual awareness and attachments.

  • Spiritual Practices: Emphasizes a Zen-like perspective where enlightenment is not seen as a distant goal but as a present, innate state.

    • Guarding the Senses: The practice of mindfulness to maintain awareness of actions and their consequences.

Synthesis of Transnational and Cultural Influences

  • Buddhism as a Dynamic System: The blending of traditional and contemporary elements highlights Buddhism's adaptability.

  • Critique of Eastern vs. Western Buddhism:

    • Challenges simplistic categorizations of Buddhism based on geographical or cultural origins.

    • Spring serves as an illustrative case of how film can bridge these divides and speak universally.

Conclusion and Cultural Significance

  • Film as a Cultural Artifact: Examines the fluid nature of Buddhism and how it evolves across geographic and cultural lines.

  • Implications for Understanding Buddhism: Reflects a transnational vision that complicates the binary of traditional versus modern Buddhism.

  • Author's Position: Cho advocates for a re-evaluation of the current Western interpretations of Buddhism, suggesting a need to appreciate the complexities of its evolving nature.