Living in the Moment, The Jazz of Life: An Eternal Question (original) (raw)
Jazz has a unique character and history that finds analogy in matters of life and death. Its spontaneous and courageous aspect provides compelling models for leadership and social creativity and has a procreative capacity that imitates the eternal cycles of birth and extinction. Jazz’s transformative quality allows reinvention and reinterpretation of old and new forms and can inspire the creation of shared convictions. Its ebb and flow through mentors and griots is a model for preservation and sustainability. Yet, jazz’s emphasis on the moment recalls the brevity of life, the importance of living life to its fullest and the inevitability and finality of death. Deeply embedded in its philosophy and culture, are the historical lessons for transforming adversity into freedom and joy, and for discovering a synchronistic rhythm that makes meaning of “man’s inhumanity to man.” The Buddhist principles of non-violence, dialogue and compassion are the foundations of jazz and form the basis of human life’s highest integrity.
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