Aspects of Contemporary Literary Theory, Zen-Buddhism and the Breytenbach-Oeuvre: An Intertextual Reading

Abstract

It is generally accepted that Zen-Buddhism forms a primary intertext of the Breytenbach­oeuvre, and that some knowledge of Zen is essential to an understanding of his work. It is not, however, obvious how notions such as Satori, Sunyata and Zazen pertain to the study of literature. Taking an article by Brink (1985: 10-26) on the parallels between quantum physics and literary deconstruction as point of departure, this article examines the analogy between certain aspects of Zen and contemporary literary theory. Suggestions are made as to the possible implications of such "transgressions" between seemingly disparate fields for a reading of Breytenbach's more recent art and writing in particular and the creative process in general.

Opsomming
Dit word lank reeds aanvaar dat Zen Boeddhisme 'n primêre interteks van die Brey­tenbach-oeuvre is. Die manier waarop die filosofiese strekking van beginsels soos Satori, Sunyata en Zazen van toepassing gemaak kan word op 'n literer-teoretiese benadering is egter nie voor-die-hand-liggend nie. Met 'n artikel deur Brink (1985: 10-26) oor die onverwagte raakpunte tussen kwantumfisikaen literêre dekonstruksie as vertrekpunt, ondersoek hierdie artikel die verwantskap tussen sekere aspekte van Zen en kontemporêre literatuurteorie. Deur te fokus op sodanige oorskryding van grense tussen oënskynlik uiteenlopende terreine, word kommentaar gelewer oor die meer resente Breytenbach woord- en skilderkuns. In die besonder sowel as die skeppingproses oor die algemeen.