Enso – the circle that brings enlightenment

In philosophersA Buddhist zenthe most, belonging to Japanese culture, there is a very well-known symbol called enso, which has become inTre time, the emblematic image of Japanese calligraphic art.

The circle that is drawn from a single uninterrupted motion and that can be closed or opened, is born
enso
, and expresses the moment when the mind is free and lets the body create.

Enso
symbolizes absolute enlightenment, powerof, elegance, the universe and not ultimately, the void (mu). It is characterized by a minimalist current that springs from Japanese aesthetics.

Japanese ink calligraphy(sumes)that includes drawing this symbol is a form of spiritual practice, a discipline of the mind and body. The tools used are the same as those used in calligraphy, brushes of different sizes are used and a special rice paper, very fine (washi).

The enso circle is most often drawn open or incomplete, allowing movement and development, which characterizes the idea of wabi-sabi, or the beauty of imperfection. When the circle is closed, it represents perfection, like Plato’s perfect forms, which is why the circle has been used for centuries in construction or cosmological models.

Typically, the artist or person who draws enso does so with a single, fluid motion. When drawnn agree with sosho, (Japanese style of calligraphy) the brush feature is usually quick. Once enso has been traced, it can no longer be changed! It highlights its creative character and the context in which it was created, even if itplace in a very short period of time.

He can symbolize the emptiness or the overflow, presence or absence. All things must be contained or, on thecontrary, they must be excluded beyond the limits of this circle. Enso,

as I said before, it is a symbol of enlightenment (satori) or a sometimes it can be a representation of the Moon, which, at turn, signifyillumination, as mentioned ina Zen proverb: “Do not confuse the finger pointing towards the moon with the moon itself”. (In other words, doctrines, teachings , or explanations intended to guide someone to enlightenment are notto be confused with enlightenment itself .)

Drawing the enso is a spiritual practice that can be performed every day, and completed throughout life.

This spiritual practice, which belongs to Japanese calligraphy, is also called hitsuzendo (the way of the brush). Enso exemplifies different variations of the Japanese wabi-sabi perspective and aesthetic, such as: fukinsei (asymmetry, irregularity), kanso (spatiality), datsuzoku (freedom), seijaku (tranquility), shizen (natural, unpretentious), and yugen (subtle, deeply graceful).

In Zen Buddhism it is believed that when someone draws enso,it completely reveals his character, thus, only a person who is spiritually accomplished can draw a true enso.

Enso seems to be easy to paint or draw, but only a few painters are known as excellent creators of this symbol, so they prove theirZen mastery .

Source; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ens%C5%8D