Author Archives: Michael Chu

Transformation of Symbols

Posted on March 11, 2013 by Michael Chu

I was walking back at night to my dorm and slipped on ice because I thought the ice patch was water from the melted snow. Unseen— Melted snow reverts to ice Slippery Before I took this class, I have always … Continue reading →

Posted in Week 7: Bushido and the Transcendental Order | Leave a comment

The Bodhisattva Cycle

Posted on March 4, 2013 by Michael Chu

By Michael Chu On Sunday morning, I was lying on bed and didn’t want to wake up until I heard the bird chirp. Bird’s call— Draws From rest   According to Basho, the only way to perceive the unchanging and … Continue reading →

Posted in Week 6: The Order of Here and Now | Leave a comment

Ukiyo Redefined

Posted on February 25, 2013 by Michael Chu

By Michael Chu I was releasing the first sky lantern on Friday night for my lantern festival event at the Tisch Rooftop. Ignited lantern Past the tip of my finger Into the sky Ukiyo has a different meaning to the … Continue reading →

Posted in Week 1: Shell of the Cicada, Week 5: Hedonism, Mono no Aware, Monstrosity | Leave a comment

Nothingness

Posted on February 20, 2013 by Michael Chu

By Michael Chu I was walking to the gym on Sunday night near Halligan when a strong gust of wind blew and carried me along the ice. A snowy night— Wind blew Slid on ice Nothingness is everything, and everything … Continue reading →

Posted in Week 4: Nothingness | 1 Comment

Evanescence of Success

Posted on February 11, 2013 by Michael Chu

By Michael Chu I was walking to Davis square on a Saturday night and experienced the aftermath of the blizzard. Waist- deep snow Narrow pathway Footprints entrenched This week we focused on talking about the concept of ukiyo, the floating … Continue reading →

Posted in Week 3: Failure, Success, and Leaving the World | 1 Comment

Emptiness and Ambiguity

Posted on February 4, 2013 by Michael Chu

By Michael Chu As I got off the bus stop and walked back to my dorm on Friday night, I realized how empty the campus was. Cold night, The bus leaves, Silence This week we moved from the concept of … Continue reading →

Posted in Week 2: From Hakanasa to Mujo | Leave a comment

The Cicada World

Posted on January 28, 2013 by Michael Chu

By Michael Chu I was walking to mail service on Friday afternoon and saw the outskirts of Medford when I was near Olin. Beyond the hilltop, Houses behind winter trees, Ah, left unexplored. Professor Inouye kept mentioning evanescence and form … Continue reading →

Posted in Week 1: Shell of the Cicada | Leave a comment