works & conversations #35: what Lobsang Rapgay means by “aesthetic thought” has nothing to do with what these words might conjure in reference to contemporary art, or art at all. Rapgay is a psychologist. But more to the point, he belongs to the Yellow Hat school of Tibetan Buddhism, Gelugpa. He was speaking at a symposium over twenty years ago and, when I heard those words, my interest, which was already engaged, jumped a notch. What did he mean by “aesthetic thought”? He didn’t explain it, but went on to say, “In the West, we’re too fatigued to engage in aesthetic thought.” By then, I was leaning forward in my seat. Too fatigued? What did that mean? He didn’t explain that either. Readers of w&c already know about its special qualities. #35 is extra special. [more]