Wednesday, February 13, 2008

Zen Inspired Jewelry

Vanessa's designs have a strong Zen influence, and although the term "Zen" is commonly used today, it is rarely accompanied by explanation. Zen is a fascinating discipline that cannot be neatly categorized as a religion, and we hope to write more on this subject in the future.

Zen originated in China as one of the ten Buddhist denominations. And although it began as a religious sect, Zen does not worship God or observe ritual or religious affiliations. It is an open minded discipline that respects and coexists peacefully with all religions in the world.

The most important scriptures that influence Zen are the Diamond Sutra and the Sutra of the Sixth Patriarch, two scriptures that emphasize void or naught.

The development of Zen can be attributed to the teachings of Buddhism, Lao Tzu and Confucius. Chinese scholars study Zen Buddhism as an objective study and not a religion. Its influence on Eastern culture spans widely in oriental society, from art to psychology.

Wishgiving's Zen Collection
by Vanessa Leu is inspired by the artist's Zen discipline, creating a array of jewelry that is a modern interpretation of Zen. Each piece has clean, elegant lines celebrating nature's gemstones without distractions, elevating the experience to a higher state of mind.

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