ACCIDENTAL ENSO

The ensō is a circular symbol most often painted in a single brush stroke. The word itself translates to “circle” in Japanese. It embodies one of the defining aspects of Zen Buddhism, no-mind, where one is free from thoughts and emotions while being completely present in the now. It is believed that while in this state of total presence, true creativity can arise. Some 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. For me, finding and photographing these unintentional ensōs is a form of spiritual practice.

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