ZEN
The Zen that is now widely accepted around the world does not refer to a belief in a specific deity, but rather to the practice of training the mind. Originally, Zen referred to Zen Buddhism, a sect of Buddhism that practices Zazen (seated meditation).
In Zen Buddhism, the focus is not only on studying Buddhist scriptures but especially on the direct pursuit of enlightenment through Zazen, which is the understanding of the truth or essence of things as they are.
Zen was introduced to Japan from China in the late 13th century, and while it declined in China, it has since become something uniquely Japanese.
ZEN nowadays
Disciplining oneself, being grateful for all things, eliminating excess, and reflecting on one’s way of life.
And above all, living with respect for ‘the present moment.’
These principles of Zen, which were introduced to Japan, seamlessly merged with Japan’s pre-existing nature-worship beliefs (such as Shinto) and led to the flourishing of cultural arts grounded in Zen, such as zazen (seated meditation), sutra copying, ink painting, calligraphy, and garden design.
Eventually, this evolution extended to the tea ceremony.
Returning to one’s ‘true self’ (a pure heart free from innate attachments),
focusing on ‘the self in this moment’ (not the past, but the present),
and appreciating ‘satisfaction with what is’ (a sense of contentment and gratitude for what we currently have).
Reflecting on one’s true self also means living by one’s own values rather than being evaluated by others’ standards.
Japanese culture can be seen as a culture that has integrated these Zen ideas into daily life.
Shakyo
(copying of sutras)
Zazen
Origin of ZEN
About 2,500 years ago, Buddha Shakyamuni attained enlightenment* through zazen meditation.
This is why Buddhist monks study the sutras and practice zazen.
Zazen requires sitting silently in a correct posture, without moving, seeking to stabilize the body.
Breathing is regulated, parasitic thoughts are eliminated, and mental purity is sought that leads to enlightenment*.
The goal is to understand the truth of one's own existence and to maintain a state of emptiness (mu) where the body, breath,
and mind are unified. This state of mind is devoid of any form or attachment (mushin), completely detached from everything.
It involves freeing oneself from prejudices, preconceived ideas, and stripping oneself of one's own ego until one has the sensation that only the physical body is sitting.
This practice of zazen is considered to reveal the true nature of the mind and to achive enlightenment*.
Enlightenment*
Enlightenment is an intuitive understanding of the truth of things.
Unlike understanding through knowledge or learning, it is an experiential understanding.
In Buddhism, it is taught that all phenomena are impermanent (ever-changing) and egoless (there is no unchanging self).
Upon attaining enlightenment, one understands these concepts deeply, thereby freeing oneself from attachments and desires. T
he kleshas (desires, anger, and other impurities of the mind) disappear, and one is completely free from mental suffering.
This enlightenment is the ultimate goal of Buddhism.
Bodhidaruma, an Indian disciple and 28th successor of Shakyamuni Buddha, transmitted Zen to China after many years of practice.
It is said that Bodhidaruma meditated facing a wall for nine years, to the point of losing the use of his legs.
Because of this story, Bodhidaruma is considered the founder of Zen, and dolls in his image,
called “ Daruma ,” are still made today.
BudhDaruma
"EKADANNPIZU"
Sesshu
(1496)
Daruma
The Daruma is a figurine inspired by the monk Bodhidaruma, known in Japan as a traditional
good luck charm.
Due to its rounded shape and low center of gravity,
the Daruma automatically rights itself when knocked over, making it a symbol of “fall seven times, get up eight.”
It is therefore also considered a symbol of
perseverance and success.
Daruma are usually sold without their eyes drawn on.
When a wish is made, one of the eyes is drawn on,
and then when the wish comes true,
the other eye is drawn on to complete the doll.
In this way, Daruma are valued as tools for accomplishing goals or making wishes.
Meditation
Meditation, similar to Zazen, involves sitting in silence. While both practices appear similar, they differ in terms of background and purpose.
Meditation, in a broader and more general sense, refers to any technique of mental focus aimed at various goals, such as inner peace, relaxation, stress reduction, personal growth, enhanced concentration, and deepened self-awareness. In meditation, the eyes are closed, and the mind is focused to stabilize emotions, gain a sense of well-being, and improve sleep, among other expected benefits.
On the other hand, in Zazen, one keeps the eyes half-open, focuses on breathing, and aims to let go of thoughts, seeking to maintain a state of emptiness (MU). It is a practice rooted in Buddhism, with the ultimate goal of attaining enlightenment.
WABI-SABI
Wabi-sabi is a familiar term for Japanese people, but it is difficult to explain.
However, it very well expresses the unique aesthetics and sensibility of Japanese culture.
It is an appreciation of tranquility, simplicity, and especially imperfection.
The Japanese tend to prefer slightly incomplete things or moments of silence rather than luxurious and perfectly accomplished objects. It is an aesthetic theory specific to Japanese culture.
The Japanese find beauty in simplicity, ephemerality, and that which is related to inpermanence.
Wabi-sabi is a sensitive concept, whose perception varies from person to person and has no precise definition, but it has the following characteristics:
1. Imperfection : respect for the beauty found in what is not perfect.
2. Impermanence: appreciation of beauty in the transience of all that changes and disappears.
3. Tranquility : Avoidance of noise and refinement, finding deep value in quiet.
WABI
Originally, the term "Wabi" referred to simplicity, emptiness, as well as insufficiency, incompleteness, and loneliness.
However, over time, it has evolved to emphasize the inner richness and fullness that can be found in these aspects.
It expresses an appreciation for a simple and peaceful life, gratitude for incomplete things, and enjoyment of simplicity.
In short, “Wabi” refers to a form of inner richness that appreciates the flavor and joy found in what seems insufficient or incomplete.
SABI
The term "Sabi" refers to the beauty,
depth and grace found in aging objects,
natural things in a state of decline or disuse.
It expresses a beauty that emerges
from the passage of time, antiquity,
bareness anddegradation.
This means that beauty lies in visible imperfections, and the inner essence manifests itself on the surface.
It is a concept of beauty that celebrates what is sometimes called the beauty of inadequacy. Unlike “Wabi,” which focuses on inner beauty, “Sabi” refers to an outer beauty, seen in the aging and wear of things.
絹本著色千利休像
（長谷川等伯画)
The portrait of Rikyū Senno
(千利休) painted by
Tōhaku Hasegawa (長谷川等伯)
WABI-CHA
in the tea ceremony
Tea master Rikyu SENNO (1522-1591) developed the spirit of Japanese tea and perfected it by embodying the spirit of wabi in tea known as WABI-CHA.
Before him, colorful and luxurious porcelains imported from China were popular.
However, with Rikyū's wabi-cha, the emphasis was on the beauty of delicate texture and natural colors rather than on shiny and opulent tea accessories.
The wabi-cha that Rikyū advocated not only influenced the culture of tea ceremony but also greatly contributed to the development of a distinctly Japanese aesthetic. This aesthetic recognizes the profound beauty that exists in imperfect tea bowls and damaged tools, appreciating their value as they are.
The imperfections in a tea bowl, such as distortions or cracks, symbolize sabi, evoking feelings of affection, tranquility, and gratitude in the viewer's heart.
In this way, sabi has become one of the essential elements of Japanese aesthetics.
When admiring Suibokuga, understanding Zen and the concepts of Wabi-Sabi is very helpful.
The “ beauty of empty space ” stimulates the viewer’s imagination.
Empty space, which may seem incomplete at first glance, evokes a sense of awe.
ZEN, WABI-SABI, the beauty of imperfection, the beauty of insufficiency, the beauty of empty space,
and knowing sufficiency—these concepts have been at the core of the Japanese spirit since ancient times,
and I believe that Japanese gardens are the ideal place to experience them.
One of my hobbies in Tokyo was strolling through Japanese gardens with my friends.
I enjoyed observing the landscapes harmonized with the seasonal beauty of Japan, sensing the impermanence of all things, appreciating Wabi-Sabi, quietly rediscovering myself, and nurturing a sense of gratitude for everything around me.
In such moments, I often felt a powerful urge to paint in the style of Suibokuga.
