In
a lecture series given at Harvard University in Spring of 2014, Herbie Hancock
discussed his life and experiences in jazz. In the fifth lecture, Hancock
brought forth his own experiences with Buddhism and Creativity. Hancock begins
his lecture with the explanation of how a former band member sparked his
interest in Buddhist philosophy after his playing improved greatly. Hancock
takes his audience on a riveting and eloquent explanation of how the
relationship of Buddhism, nature, and awareness can unlock doors of creativity
and spirituality.
“Buddhism
doesn’t write the notes for me, but it absolutely and positively affects how I
look at everything,” Hancock states at the beginning of his lecture. He goes on
to explain through certain personal anecdotes and stories of how being aware of
his body and mind has allowed him to reach creative peaks that would not have
been possible for him without the presence of Buddhism. Hancock explains the
meaning of the title of the Lotus Sutra, which was the first aspect of Buddhism
introduced to him. He says by chanting “Nam-myoho-renge-kyo”
he is able to achieve an external and internal experience through the process
of the mind and the forming of sound. This “ultimate law of the universe” has
helped Hancock to bring Buddhist practice into his life and expand upon his own
creative journey in “the art of life”.
Later, Hancock stated, “Expanding
your personal viewpoint will affect your daily life and influence your
purpose”. This open perspective on knowledge and experience of new and
different things can hold true to the purpose of this class. The idea that
becoming more worldly and culturally aware will enlighten one’s self (or
non-self) is not something new or groundbreaking, but hearing the words from
someone as unsuspecting as the jazz great, Herbie Hancock, made the words
resonate and ring with clarity.
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