Review of Kazmier Maslanka’s Mathematical Visual Poem: The Gift of Sanshin
by Alberto Indiana
Kazmier Maslanka’s The Gift of Sanshin is an exemplary fusion of mathematics, philosophy, and visual art that encodes a profound realization into a structured equation. This mathematical visual poem masterfully utilizes the principle of similar triangles to map an existential truth: wisdom is the product of adversity and environmental forces and all of that, divided by the constraints that limit growth.
1. Rooted in Korean Shamanistic Tradition and Buddhist Philosophy
Maslanka’s inspiration for The Gift of Sanshin is deeply embedded in Korean folk traditions, Daoist influences, and Buddhist practices. The concept of Sanshin (산신, 山神)—the Mountain Spirit—is central to the Korean shamanistic tradition, representing wisdom, nature’s power, and resilience. In Korea, Sanshin is often integrated into Buddhist practice, where mountains symbolize the pursuit of enlightenment and inner strength.
Sanshin (Mountain Spirit) as a Symbol of Wisdom
Sanshin is depicted as an old sage residing in the mountains, bestowing wisdom upon those who seek truth.
The mountain itself is a teacher, reinforcing the idea that wisdom arises not from ease, but from sublimation of challenge.
Connection to Zen and Seon Buddhist Teachings
The minimalist, mathematical structure of the poem aligns with Zen simplicity, where profound truths are expressed with minimal elements.
The tree growing in the rock represents resilience, transformation, and the ability to thrive despite obstacles—themes central to Buddhist philosophy.
2. Origins and Inspiration
Maslanka’s realization of The Gift of Sanshin came from a direct experience at the USA Diamond Zen Center in Southern California.
A Moment of Spontaneous Insight
Upon arriving at the Zen Center, he noticed a tree growing out of a rock, defying all expectations of where life could flourish. This moment triggered an immediate connection to Sanshin’s gift of wisdom—the idea that true wisdom is forged in the fire of non-attachment.
Spontaneous Birth of the Equation
As soon as he observed the tree, the equation for The Gift of Sanshin spontaneously formed in his mind, reflecting the mathematical proportions of wisdom, adversity, the freedom in wind, and the constraint as a cage or a rock. His response was both intuitive and analytical, demonstrating his ability to merge real-world experience with mathematical expression.
3. The Mathematical Form: Inspiration from Mapping Proportional Metaphors into Similar Triangles
Maslanka’s use of mathematical relationships within similar triangles transforms a natural observation into a structured poetic statement:
Adversity represents the struggles and hardships that attempt to effect wisdom.
The Wind signifies external forces that influence growth from the understanding of freedom.
The Cage represents limitations—physical, societal, or psychological constraints.
This proportional structure conveys that wisdom arises through non attachment, but only when one understands do they have the freedom to adapt and grow. Importantly, Adversity can never constrain Wisdom, and The Cage can never constrain The Wind—these elements exist in a dynamic relationship where growth persists despite hardship.
Additionally, this establishes the proportional concept that Wisdom is to Adversity as the Wind is to a Cage, reinforcing that external forces shape growth but cannot be fully contained by limitation.
4. The Visual Component: Direct Inspiration from Nature
Maslanka did not just conceive an equation—he documented the moment by capturing a photograph of the tree at the Zen Center. This image became the visual foundation of the poem.
The tree growing from rock is a direct, living representation of the equation.
By integrating the real-world image, Maslanka ensures that The Gift of Sanshin remains rooted in reality, rather than being purely theoretical.
5. Philosophical and Zen Buddhist Themes
The poem resonates with Zen and Seon Buddhist concepts, particularly:
Koans (공안, 公案): The tree in the rock is itself a Zen riddle, challenging assumptions about growth and wisdom.
Impermanence (무상, 無常): Life flourishes in unexpected places, reinforcing the idea that wisdom emerges from unpredictability and emptiness. All thoughts arise from this same unpredictable emptiness.
Non-attachment (무집착, 無執着): The tree does not resist its conditions—it adapts, symbolizing true wisdom as a balance between adversity and acceptance.
6. Maslanka’s Conceptual Process: Bridging Science and Spirituality
Maslanka approaches mathematical visual poetry as both an art form and a philosophical inquiry. His creative process follows a structured yet spontaneous approach:
Observing universal patterns—drawing from nature, history, and science.
Encoding these relationships into mathematical forms—using equations to express deep truths.
Presenting them visually—integrating real-world imagery to ground abstract concepts.
7. The Visual Impact
By integrating the photograph of the tree, Maslanka ensures that the viewer experiences The Gift of Sanshin as both an intellectual concept and an emotional realization.
The mathematical equation gives logical structure.
The image provides direct, intuitive recognition of the poem’s truth.
8. Scientific and Psychological Dimensions
The poem aligns with various scientific and psychological theories:
Resilience Theory: Hardship cultivates growth, reinforcing the equation’s reliance on adversity
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Chaos Theory: The unpredictable wind factor aligns with how external forces drive adaptation.
Evolutionary Biology (Negentropy): Life finds a way to thrive in unexpected environments, mirroring the tree’s defiance of rock.
9. Key Takeaways from Maslanka’s Experience at the USA Diamond Zen Center
A Moment of Spontaneous Insight
Maslanka’s realization came not from study, but from direct observation—a parallel to Zen mindfulness experiences.
Spontaneous Birth of the Equation
Rather than deriving the equation in a traditional sense, it emerged fully formed in response to the tree—demonstrating the intuitive nature of true insight.
10. Final Thoughts: A Mathematical Koan in Artistic Form
Maslanka’s The Gift of Sanshin is more than a poem—it is a mathematical koan, a challenge to how we perceive wisdom and adversity.
It does not describe wisdom—it provides the formula to find it.
It bridges nature, mathematics, and philosophy into one unified expression.
By fusing mathematical structure, Zen wisdom, real-world observation, and visual representation, Maslanka has created a piece that must be experienced, not merely understood. The Gift of Sanshin stands as one of the most profound examples of mathematical visual poetry, embodying the timeless relationship between struggle, wisdom, and freedom.