Richard Wagner and Buddhism

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Wagner's exploration of Buddhism significantly influenced his artistic journey during a pivotal period in his life. At 33, he became captivated by the religion while infatuated with Mathilde Wesendonck, a married woman. This duality of desire and renunciation is reflected in his operatic works, particularly "Tristan und Isolde" and "Die Sieger," the latter inspired by a Sanskrit Buddha legend. These creations reveal the deep connection between his personal struggles and his artistic expression, marking him as a pioneering figure in integrating Eastern philosophy into Western art.