Zen was introduced  in Japan from China and  gave rise to a profound cultural renovation in both of these countries. In the civilizations of the Far East painting and classical poetry have constantly inspired many among the monks of  Zen. The work of art is achieved by an intimate communion with nature; it springs from the detachment of the artist and his perception of the hidden structures of the world surrounding him.

This conception of art conveys complete pre-eminence to spontaneity. Hence, painting and drama just as Zen calligraphy are achieved there and then through sudden enlightenment and will not be touched or modified ever again. It is likewise evident that this spontaneity is the fruit of long training and a patient interior growth.

In China and even more in Japan, Zen extended its influence to traditional dance and to Raku ceramics.

At the beginning of the last century it began to be known thanks to the diffusion of practices such as martial arts , the careful observation of nature, the concept of elegant simplicity in architecture and decoration, floral art, tea ceremony and the creation of the famous Japanese Zen gardens. The richness of its philosophy and the purity of its aesthetics have had a strong impact among the intellectuals and artists and many are the artists in western culture who have been inspired by the promise of renewal contained in Zen.

Despite the fact that it developed in one of the most ancient traditions of humanity, the message of Buddhism is universal. It expresses the unifying principle, at the basis of the knowledge of ourselves, which goes beyond  the differences in systems, values, nations or races.

        At times it has been considered a religion or a philosophy but in fact it is not based upon any dogma or ideology. It aims straight at the heart of man, and represents a concrete experience and creative impulse deprived of all formalisms.