The Significant Role of Music and Zen in Education and Culture during the Twentieth Century

The relationship between Chinese and foreign music and philosophy has not been fully explored and studied, but through the exploration of the relationship between the works of Tan Dun and John Cage and Zen Buddhism and philosophy, we can find that it contains profound thinking and cross-cultural communication value. This kind of research helps promote cross-border music cultural exchange and music education, providing new perspectives for international culture and music education. This article takes the works of Tan Dun and John Cage as the research objects, and draws research conclusions through the use of literature research method and comparative research:Tan Dun’s water music is closely related to the water element in Taoism, showcasing the infinite possibilities of water as a musical instrument. John Cage created accidental music through music experiments and Zen philosophy, overturning traditional rules and standards. Musicians from different countries integrate traditional philosophy and culture into their works, promoting cross-cultural communication and understanding, and playing an important role in diverse music education.