The Enso Circle
The Enso Circle – Enlightenment & Life is Perfection
By Byron / Feb 2019
THE ENSO CIRCLE- ENLIGHTENMENT & LIFE IS PERFECTION
The Enso circle is a sacred symbol in the school of Zen Buddhism. It is one of the most common subjects of Japanese calligraphy, even though it is a symbol and not a character. It is often referred to as the Circle of Enlightenment, the Infinity Circle, the Circle of Togetherness and even the Lost Symbol of Reiki.
At first glance the ancient Enso appears to be just a miss-shaped circle but its symbolism refers to the beginning and end of all things, the circle of life and the connectedness of existence itself. It can symbolize emptiness or fullness, presence or absence. All things might be contained within, or also, excluded by its boundaries. It can symbolize infinity, the “no-thing,” the perfect meditative state (complete mental clarity) and Nirvana or enlightenment. The Enso is a universal symbol of wholeness and completion.
For the artist drawing the Enso is a fascinating expression of individuality as expressed by variations in ink tones, brushstroke thickness, shape of the circle and even the positioning of the single point where the circle begins and ends.
An Enso might seem simple to draw but only a few painters are known for their excellent Enso, which is said to represent their mastery of Zen. The quality of the brushwork is said to reveal the depth of the master’s enlightenment. The brushed ink of the circle is usually done on silk or rice paper in only one movement, thereby eliminating the possibility of modification or correction. Zen Buddhists believe that only a person who is mentally and spiritually complete can draw a true Enso.
An open Enso expresses the idea that the Enso is not separate from all that is; rather, it is a part of something greater. The open circle reflects that the Enso is not contained within itself: but opens out to infinity. It also reminds us that imperfection is an essential and inherent aspect of our existence. The Enso can be the open circle of emptiness in which the self flows in and out while remaining centered; or it can be closed which represents completion or the totality of experience and life. Leaving the Enso open is like leaving room for the spirit to flow in and out of the circle allowing it to breathe. Breath and emptiness are essential in meditation, contemplation and in the creation of a spiritual life.
The Enso suggests that we stop striving for constant perfection and allow the Universe and our experience to be as it is, abandoning the idea that there is a “one size fits all” path we need to follow. The Enso reminds us that there is fluidity in life and that every imperfection is actually perfection. Your life by this definition is perfect. Drawing or contemplating on an Enso stimulates the mind and emotions, stimulates the spirit of a person, enabling the perceiving of the essence of the true reality. The Enso represents the Universe, the infinity, the strength and elegance of life and absolute enlightenment.
In Love & Light,
Byron⭐
Byron Barth; L.A., MSTOM, Acupuncturist, Herbalist, Zen Shiatsu Master and Founder of Peace of Zen Acupuncture.
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