The Ensō Circle: A Zen Symbol Of Insight
In Zen Buddhism, the ensō circle symbolizes simplicity and harmony. Only those who have an open mind and enjoy inner balance are able to draw this perfect circle that should never be closed.
Buddhist teachers often say that it is impossible to explain the same. Although the ensō is not a simple circle or an art form, many people choose to have this minimalist zen expression tattooed on their body.
Those who draw the sameō circle have the desire to express a complete and fulfilled personal state, where everything and nothing exists at the same time in the present moment. The free space in the ensō represents being open to infinity.
The Ensō circle and inner balance
Circles have always had a magical, symbolic and spiritual transcendence. Even Carl Jung was fascinated by this shape, especially by the concept of mandalas.
In his spare time, or when he needed to distance himself from his problems, he used to draw circles. According to him, they symbolized the formation and transformation of one’s mind. According to the famous Swiss psychiatrist, we find peace through its form as well as the power to go further.
For Zen Buddhists, on the other hand, the ensō circle evokes the perfect moment when the mind is free to leave the body. Therefore, only a mentally and spiritually redeemed person will be able to draw a real one.
It can be said that this drawing symbolizes the reflection of an individual’s enlightenment, the ability of an artist to evoke his inner perfection through a circle.
This symbol originated in China in the 28th century BC. In the famous Shin jin mei, an oriental poem representing the essence of Zen Buddhism, ensō is also described as an immeasurable place where nothing is missing or left behind.
It also explains that the first one was created when a monk asked his teacher to explain in words what insight was. The teacher told him that he could not describe it in words because it was impossible. Thereby he picked up a brush and some rice paper and drew a circle.
Ensō and the universe
Circles represent different things for different cultures. This symbol evokes a perfect representation of the world, of movement and of the epicenter around which everything is concentrated. It symbolizes the ouroboros, a snake that bites into its own tail and creates the shape of a circle.
This symbol represents the full moon and its contact with nature that is able to attract the tide. It is the empty cup of tea where you can read the future. Moreover, it is even the Dharma Chakra that contains Buddhist wisdom. The Ensō circle is actually the universe, in itself, in motion.
How to draw the identical
To draw the same, you must start from an idea: Fukinsei, the denial of perfection. It is simply a matter of capturing the present moment through mindfulness. You must free your mind from all thoughts and push all worries aside to experience your true self. Next, draw the uniform circle with a single brushstroke.
There is no “perfect circle”. Keep in mind that perfection is not what you are looking for. This is why you should not think about your abilities, efforts or outcome. You have to follow the flow and release yourself.
Zen art is an external expression of an internal state. Therefore, to draw or paint an authentic identicalō, you must keep working on it until you find peace and balance. Only in this way, when you are truly prepared, will you be able to give shape to the ensō : D an imperfect circle that perfectly represents the present moment.
