Abstract:

The process of development between modern arts and Zen Buddhism shares similarities which can be illustrated in three aspects; first, from traditional abstract theory to living practice in terms of method; secondly, from permanent value of metaphysics to present intuition in terms of target; thirdly, from substance of value to practical process in terms of content. So, modern arts and Zen enjoy a dual historic significance to life. On the one hand it magnifies human initiative, and on the other it becomes mediocre for the reason of subjective manner. By the comparison we come to a conclusion that there is an urgent need to consider how to sustain the tension between arts and real life while avoiding mediocre, how to play the function of liberation of sensation while touching on human soul, and how to keep the balance of creating freely and maintaining the artistic ideal at the same time.

Key words: Zen Buddhism, modern arts, life