筆 enso

"Enso" is a calligraphic expression in Zen Buddhism, representing a circle drawn in one stroke, symbolizing a connected circle with no beginning or end.

Enso symbolizes the infinite without breaks, representing enlightenment, the mind, the universe, and other concepts.

How to draw Enso:
There are no rigid rules for drawing an Enso; it is important to approach it with mindfulness. Prepare a quiet environment and write in a relaxed state.

Enso is commonly drawn by connecting the starting and ending points in one stroke to create a perfect circle. To draw a clean circle, maintain a consistent speed and focus on stable brush movement. Slowly and steadily draw one circle over a minute, feeling a unity between oneself and the brush while firmly grasping the paper.

The ink may start to run out midway, but stay focused and complete the circle to the end.

Initially, you may not complete the circle from start to finish, but as you become accustomed to the brush, you'll learn to adjust the ink content. Enjoying this process is part of the joy of Enso.

There are no fixed shapes; the brush is sensitive to the current state of mind, so enjoy drawing while engaging with the brush.

Thicker brushes with good ink retention are recommended. To express a worn or brushstroke effect, try using WASHI paper (Japanese paper). The expression can vary depending on the type of paper used, adding an interesting dimension to the experience.

1 of 2