View publication (pdf file 6.5 mb) - Erik Thomsen

eligions (a Shinto god interacting with Buddhistleaders and receiving enlightenment). We alsosee the creative interaction between words andimages, as the clothing of Michizane is composedof individual characters, forming the words »Hail toTenjin, God of the Tenman Shrine.« The charactersare not written in order, but instead randomly followthe contours of Michizane’s clothing and body.The artist is mischievously playing a game with theviewer and challenging him to solve the reading ofthe visual puzzle.We see Hakuin in this and other similar paintingsnot as a strict promoter of his own sect, but ratheras a teacher who understands and appreciates differences—assomeone who reaches across dividesbetween cultures, religions and traditions.56