Tao – A Pathless Path

I painted this piece on the day Thầy Minh Tuệ, a Zen master who traveled across Vietnam to awaken communities, suddenly disappeared without a trace. I named it “Tao – A Pathless Path” after a book by Osho that has been translated into Vietnamese. It is the path of Lao Tzu, Osho, Thích Minh Tuệ, and all enlightened beings – those who awaken us but serve only as fingers pointing to the moon. The path itself is one we must find on our own.

I used three colors representing the robes of Buddhism: soft earthy gray, ochre, and warm brown. These colors shift and blend gradually, symbolizing the progression of each individual’s spiritual journey – unfolding in an endless spiral. This path cannot be confined by any map or predetermined direction. Just as the wind leaves no footprints on the surface of water, the true seeker walks a path that leaves no trace behind.

When you contemplate this painting, you embark on a journey to explore your own existence freely, unbound by societal expectations or the need for validation. It is also a tribute to the impermanence of life, the secret of spiritual awakening, and the courage it takes to walk a path that must be traveled alone – much like the artistic journey I am pursuing.