Ryonen’s Clear Realization (2014)

June 28, 2023

Ryonen’s Clear Realization (2014)

Download the score – Ryonen’s Clear Realization

Instrumentation

Player 1
- 5 tin cans
- triangle
Player 2
- 3 toms/drums
- suspended cymbal
Player 3
- 2 woodblocks
- prayer bowl

Program Notes
I first heard the koan about Ryonen on the Daily Buddhism podcast. At first, I was struck by the Zen teachers’ reactions to Ryonen since their views on her beauty offended my more contemporary feminist attitudes. The story stuck with me and I kept thinking about it. The more I sat with it the more I saw my reaction change. I now do not see Ryonen as a victim of
a male-dominated culture in this story. Instead, I see her astounding dedication to Zen and her liberation through non-attachment embodied by her actions.

Ensemble

percussion, speaking, trio, zen

Posted by:

jaybatzner

Jay C. Batzner is a composer, zazen practitioner, sci-fi geek, comic book reader, amateur seamster, and juggler on the faculty of Central Michigan University where he teaches music theory, composition, technology, and electronic music courses. He has been many places and has done several things, some of which are rather impressive.

About Me

Jay C. Batzner (b. 1974) is currently on the faculty of Central Michigan University. He reads too many comic books and tries to find time for sewing and other various hobbies. Jay likes playing chess but loses a LOT of games.

Jay’s frequent interdisciplinary collaborations with choreographer Heather Trommer-Beardslee has led to several dance works based on student veterans, ecological succession, the Larry Craig scandal, and hyena behaviors. The hyena piece even includes puppets!

Jay C. Batzner