Meditation and Dance in Creative Society: Contemplative Consciousness in Daoism, Zen and Argentine Tango

Abstract

This paper deals with the particularly relevant topic in the contemporary society – Asian meditative practices and methods of self-development. The first chapter deals with the notion of contemplative, enlightened consciousness in Daoism and Zen. The second chapter shows how meditative consciousness could be achieved through social tango. Six theses are argued as appropriate for both Daoism and Zen as well as tango: 1) contemplative, purified consciousness is empty of disturbing thoughts and focused toward the essence; 2) contemplative, purified consciousness is not only empty but also brimming full; 3) contemplative, purified consciousness is identical with everyday mind; 4) contemplative mind is functioning according to the principles of non-action and naturalness; 5) meditation leads toward the unity and integrity of consciousness and body, consciousness and outside world; 6) active meditation is an effective way to obtain aims mentioned above. The argumentation of such thesis helps to show that tango is akin to various meditative practices. So it could not only be successfully used as a form of entertainment but also as a meditative practice, leading toward aims, similar to those of Zen meditations.