Japanese Spirituality and Music Practice: Art as Self-cultivation

摘要: This chapter illustrates a Japanese view of spirituality and its prevailing influences on musical practices. Studies aesthetics are scant, due in part to the fact that concept has not provided an accessible way for people explain their spiritual experiences (Nishiwaki, 2004). scholars find it difficult translate term “spirituality” into Japanese, acknowledging word needs many explanations most understand what means own terms (Nishihira, 2003). However, this should lead conclusion there is no aesthetic philosophy or frame reference Japan. Arts already exist, as they do throughout world; practice art reflects people’s sensitivities captures experiences. It may thus be helpful here have contextual understanding ways being. One notable feature assumed bear little religious meaning without absolute existence transcendental god. Tazaki, Matsuda, Nakane (2001) investigate notions from international perspective using WHO’s proposal health spirituality. The results focus group interviews indicate that, while individual variations reported, key characteristics include: (a) insignificance human contrast with natural environment; (b) feeling awe toward nature; (c) connectedness ancestors; (d) individuals’ inner strength; (e) sense power particular religion. Similarly, Nishiwaki (2004) reports precollege students show strong aversion religion, tend refer “animals plants striving life” when comes worldviews. These studies suggest experience often derives one’s interactions nature, even though impossible reduce these such simple terms.