Untitled Document

What is it?

The enso (circle of infinity, fullness in emptiness, full moon) is one of the most prevalent themes in zen calligraphy, along with the ichi (original line).

What does it mean?

Like all zen calligraphy the enso is a manifestation of the moment, an expression of enlightenment.

So can only enlightened people make an enso?

Anyone who can draw a circle can create an enso. The important thing is to express the moment. One breath, one brush, one mind. The enso normally begins at the bottom of its circumference and is brushed clockwise in a single stroke.

Who did the enso on this website?

The enso was brushed by Meg, a member of the Melbourne Zen Group. She brushed it at a 'Zen and the arts' retreat co-led by Kaz Tanahashi in Sydney a few years back. Kaz is a well known contemporary Zen painter and calligrapher who is based in the USA. At the same retreat Kaz very generously brushed an inscription on the Melbourne Zen Group's kyosaku ('encouragement stick', traditionally used during meditation retreats to rouse meditator's energy).

Kaz Tanahashi's website

view a larger version of Meg's enso

Where can I read more about Zen calligraphy and art?

Hisamatsu, Shin'ichi Zen and the fine arts Kodansha International 1971

'Zen and the fine arts' is regarded as a classic text on the subject. Hisamatsu (1889-1980) was a Japanese Zen lay person and a well known Zen philosopher. This book is out of print.

Addiss, Stephen The art of Zen: paintings and calligraphy by Japanese monks 1600-1925 HN Abrams 1989

A good overview of traditional Zen art, and probably a little easier to get a copy of than Hisamatsu's book.

Tanahashi, Kazuaki Brushmind:text, art, and design Parallax Press 1990

Kaz started studying Zen painting and calligraphy as a child in post-WWII Japan, and has lived for many years in the US. 'Brushmind' offers examples of his work along with his insight on art and creativity in the east and the west.

Tanahashi, Kazuaki Penetrating laughter, Hakuin's Zen and art Overlook Press 1984

Hakuin Ekaku (1685-1768) was a Japanese Zen master who overhauled Japanese koan practice at a time when it was in decline. He created the famous 'sound of the single hand' koan, and was a prolific Zen painter and calligrapher. This book is out of print.

Westgeest, Helen Zen in the fifties: interaction in art between east and west Waanders Publishers 1996

This book is out of print, but worth trying to get hold of if you have an interest in how Zen has influenced modern art in the west.