A traditional Zen circle, or "Enso," is replete with meaning and difficult to encompass in words. It is painted in just one brushstroke, from beginning to end with utmost mindfulness. The circle represents Samsara, the world of suffering, of birth and death. A traditional painting for the Zen monastery, Ensos are a way for the teacher to transmit their (enlightened) state of being to the student--this is the true power of Asian brushwork--it allows you to step into the inner world and spirit of the painter.
A COMMUNITY OF THE SPIRIT
There is a community of the spirit.
Join it, and feel the delight
of walking in the noisy street,
and BEING the noise.
Drink ALL your passion,
and be a disgrace.
Close both eyes
to see with the other eye.
Open your hands,
if you want to be held.
Sit down in this circle. -Rumi (translated by Coleman Barks)
"Those Zen artists with their simple 0's had the knack of concentrating the whole of Self into the simplest acts. The spontaneous, simple O is the vehicle of Self, the vehicle of evolution, the vehicle of passion. It is the big, simple breath of God, uncomplicated by was and shall, why and because....Hakuin wrote, "If you forget yourself, you become the universe." That mysterious factor of surrender, the creative surprise that releases us and opens us up, spontaneously allows something to arise. If we are transparent, with nothing to hide, the gap between language and Being disappears. Then the Muse can speak."
"Free Play: Improvisation in Life and Art" by Stephen Nachmanovitch