#ENSO SYMBOL MEANING HOW TO#

The incomplete circle points out the imperfections in existence, and how we should strive to appreciate and understand things for the brief moment in time they exist, however imperfect they may be. This open version of an enso has both an end and beginning, reminding us that all things have a start and finish. Sometimes, a painting will feature a gap in the circle. This perfect circle of black ink painted with a thick brush is made of infinite motion: always moving, never standing still. Zen Buddhists use a round symbol called enso (円相) to express their version of wabi-sabi. In short: imperfection, authenticity, and impermanence are qualities to be valued in traditional Japanese aesthetics. Appreciating this natural process that confirms the authenticity of existence is what wabi-sabi is all about. After all, both natural and man-made objects experience their own lives as they are created and fall into decay. Sabi (寂) brings to mind wear and tear that reminds us that nothing lasts forever and that signs of age on an object can help us appreciate its value that much more.

Wabi (侘) can refer to the imperfections of objects, the simplicity of everyday items that fulfill a function rather than a form. I'm definitely NOT an expert on the subject, but here goes:Īt its simplest, wabi-sabi is an aesthetic design ideal that stresses the authentic over the artificial, the worn over the new, and the imperfect over the ideal. It's not an easy concept to talk about, and I've seen more than a few Japanese guides change the subject when it comes to talking about wabi-sabi in English.

#ENSO SYMBOL MEANING HOW TO#

How to Experience Wabi-Sabi in Kyoto An attempt at deciphering the key points of Japan’s most elusive and timeless aesthetic.Īsk a Japanese person to explain the concept of wabi-sabi and you'll be met with a pained look of apprehension, confusion, and maybe a little bit of fear.

Enso symbol meaning