Ever wonder why the “O” in my Joy Beyond Fifty is free-form?
It is an ensō . Ensō is a Japanese word meaning circle and a concept strongly associated with Zen.
Ensō symbolizes absolute enlightment, strength, elegance, the universe, and the void. It is an “expression of the moment”.
In Zen Buddhist painting, ensō symbolizes a moment when the mind is free to simply let the body and spirit create.
The brushed ink of the circle is usually done on silk or rice paper in one movement, and it shows the expressive movement of the spirit at that moment time.
Zen Buddhists believe that the character of the artist is fully exposed in how she or he draws an ensō.
Some artists will practice drawing an ensō daily, as a kind of spiritual practice.
Here’s a link to a very cool, “Buddha Board”, an etch-a-sketch type board to practice your ensō . Or just free flow with whatever you have on hand.
Give if a try…
Take a moment to draw your ensō, and express yourself.
No comments yet.