How to
Create Ma–The Living Pause–in the Landscape
of the Mind: The Wisdom
of Noh Theater
Masayoshi Morioka Kobe University, Japan
pp. 81-95
ABSTRACT.In this
research, the author explores the characteristics
of zone of contact in therapeutic conversation.
The transitional psychic space between Me and Mine is
the basis on which the landscape of the mind
develops the I-positioning
of
the dialogical self. In further discussion, the
author quotes notes from the dramaturgical theory
of Zeami, who established traditional Japanese Noh
theatre. Concepts related to ma are
examined. The results are as follows. The
therapist creates ma (a
“living pause”), which
connects one mind to another; this reflects the
moment of senu-hima
(“no-action”) in Noh theatre. Change in
psychotherapy includes a process of distancing
oneself from oneself; this resembles the concept
of riken
(“detached seeing”). The concept of sho-shin (first
intent)in
Noh theatre may be experienced in the moment at
which spontaneous responsiveness emerges in the
dialogical relationship
Keywords:
distancing the self, zone of contact, dialogical
uncertainty, Noh theatre, ma