Kiyonaga Riverside Ukiyo-e

The phrase iki is generally used in Japanese culture to describe qualities that are aesthetically appealing and when applied to a person, what they do, or have, constitutes a high compliment. 

Iki is not found in nature.  While similar to wabi-sabi in that it disregards perfection, iki is a broad term that encompasses various characteristics related to refinement with flair. 

The tasteful manifestation of sensuality can be iki.

Etymologically, iki has a root that means pure and unadulterated.  However, it also carries a connotation of having an appetite for life.  Iki is never cute.

The basis of iki is thought to have formed among urbane commoners (chonin) in Edo in the Tokugawa period (1603 to 1868).  Iki is sometimes misunderstood as simply “anything Japanese”, but it is actually a specific aesthetic ideal, distinct from more ethereal notions of transcendence or poverty.  As such, samuri, for example, would typically, as a class, be considered devoid of iki, (see yabo). 

At the same time, individualistic warriors are often depicted in contemporary popular imagination as embodying the iki ideals of a clear, stylish manner and blunt, unwavering directness. The term became widespread in modern intellectual circles through the book The Structure of “Iki” (1930) by Kuki Sukuzo.

adapted from wikipedia.org

Digital Zen Timers, a mindfulness practice tool

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Boulder, CO  80302

yugen, a profound mysterious sense of the beauty of the universe

Yūgen is an important concept in traditional Japanese aesthetics.  The exact translation of the word depends on the context.  In the Chinese philosophical texts the term was taken from, yūgen meant “dim”, “deep” or “mysterious”.  In the criticism of Japanese waka poetry, it was used to describe the subtle profundity of things that are only vaguely suggested by the poems, and was also the name of a style of poetry (one of the ten orthodox styles delineated by Fujiwara no Teika in his treatises).

Yugen suggests that beyond what can be said but is not an allusion to another world.  It is about this world, this experience.  All of these are portals to yugen:

“To watch the sun sink behind a flower clad hill.  To wander on in a huge forest without thought of return. To stand upon the shore and gaze after a boat that disappears behind distant islands.  To contemplate the flight of wild geese seen and lost among the clouds.  And, subtle shadows of bamboo on bamboo.”  

Zeami Motokiyo

Yugen is said to mean “a profound, mysterious sense of the beauty of the universe… and the sad beauty of human suffering”.

adapted from wikipedia.org

Japanese Maple Leaves Dial Face, the Zen Alarm Clock for a progressive awakening

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Boulder, CO  80302

plum blossoms, one of the four noble gentlemen

The “Four Gentlemen”, also called the Four Noble Ones or Four Friends, in Chinese art refers to four plants: the orchid, or ran; the bamboo; the chrysanthemum, or kiku; and the plum blossom, or ume (italics are in Japanese).  The term compares the four plants to Confucianist junzi, or “gentlemen”.  A painting or decoration incorporating all four plants is also known as the “Four Gentlemen”.  They are most typically depicted in traditional ink and wash painting.  The “Four Gentlemen” belong to the category of bird-and-flower painting in Chinese art.

The Four Gentlemen have been used in Chinese painting since the time of the Chinese Song Dynasty (960–1279) because of their refined beauty, and were later adopted by artists in Korea, Japan, and Vietnam.  As they represent the four different seasons (the plum blossom for winter, the orchid for spring, the Chrysanthemum for autumn, and the bamboo for summer), the four are used to depict the unfolding of the seasons through the year.

adapted from wikipedia.org

Zen Alarm Clock with Chime and Dream Kanji Dial Face

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Boulder, CO  80302

A Buddhist monk begging as a komusō

A komusō, was a Japanese begging monk of the Fuke school of Zen Buddhism, during the Edo period of 1600-1868.  Komusō were characterised by the straw basket (a sedge or reed hood named a tengai) worn on the head, manifesting the absence of specific ego.  They are also known for playing solo pieces on the shakuhachi (a type of Japanese bamboo flute).

These pieces, called honkyoku (“original pieces”) were played during a meditative practice called suizen for alms, as a method of attaining enlightenment, and as a healing modality. The Japanese government introduced reforms after the Edo period, abolishing the Fukè sect.  Records of the musical repertoire survived, and are being revived in the 20th century.

adapted from wikipedia.org

Kanji Dial Face in Honey Finish, Zen Alarm Clocks with a progressive chime

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Boulder, CO  80302

Bamboo trees in Kyoto, Japan

Bamboo are a group of perennial evergreen (except for certain temperate species) plants in the true grass family Poaceae, subfamily Bambusoideae, tribe Bambuseae.  Giant bamboos are the largest members of the grass family.

Bamboos are also the fastest growing woody plants in the world.  They are capable of growing up to 60 centimeters (24 in.) or more per day due to a unique rhizome-dependent system.  However, this astounding growth rate is highly dependent on local soil and climatic conditions. 

Bamboos are of notable economic and cultural significance in East Asia and South East Asia where they are used extensively in everyday life as building materials, as a food source and as a highly versatile raw product.

adapted from wikipedia.org

Bamboo Chime Alarm Clock, for a progressive awakening

Now & Zen

1638 Pearl Street

Boulder, CO  80302

koinobori

Tango no Sekku, a traditional calendrical event which is now designated a National holiday, also known as Children’s Day in Japan.  

Children’s Day takes place on May 5th.  Landscapes across Japan are decorated with koinobori from April to early May, in honor of sons and in the hope that they will grow up healthy and strong.

adapted from wikipedia.org

Bamboo Digital Chime Clock, for a progressive awakening

Now & Zen

1638 Pearl Street

Boulder, CO  80302

(800) 779-6383

creating water gardens, a mindfulness practice

One mindfulness practice we enjoy is to create a water garden.  It can be calming to find rocks and create a special space for meditation.   

Finding a good placement of rocks is similar to arranging a Zen garden or Japanese rock garden.   Well-done, intuitive placement of rocks can stimulate a feeling of peace or Zen while also achieving a practical effect.

Bamboo Zen Clock, a meditation timer

Now & Zen

1638 Pearl Street

Boulder, CO  80302

calm the mind, zen timers by Now & Zen, Boulder, CO

In Medtitation everyone most likely experiences two of the five hindrances.  They are boredom, which is half-hearted action with little or no collectedness and restlessness-worry, which is the inability to calm the mind. 

The first three enlightment factors (mindfulness, investigation, energy) are to be used when experiencing boredom to regain collection, the last three enlightment factors (tranquillity, collection, equanimity) are to be used when experiencing restlessness and worry to regain collectedness.

adapted from wikipedia.org

Bamboo Zen Timers, a meditation tool

Now & Zen

1638 Pearl Street

Boulder, CO  80302

(800) 779-6383

Chrysanthemum Flower

The Imperial Seal of Japan is a crest used by members of the Japanese Imperial family.  The Emperor of Japan, used a 16 petal chrysanthemum with sixteen tips of another row of petals showing behind the first row.

Shinto shrines either displayed the imperial seal or incorporated elements of the seal into their own emblems.

Shinto is the natural spirituality of Japan and the Japanese people.  The word Shinto (“Way of the Gods”) was adopted from the written Chinese combining two kanji: “shin” meaning gods or spirits (originally from the Chinese  word shen); and “tō“, or “do” meaning a philosophical path or study (originally from the Chinese word tao).

Modern Shinto does have a central theological authority but no singular Theocracy.

Zen Timepiece, a bowl/gong alarm clock and timer in cherry finish

adapted from wikipedia.org

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stillness

Water gardens, also known as aquatic gardens, backyard ponds and garden ponds, usually referring to a man-made feature, typically combine a pool with aquatic plants and often ornamental fish.  Fixed items such as rocks, fountains, statuary, waterfalls and watercourses can be combined with the pool to add visual interest and integration with the local landscape and environment. 

Water gardens are a perfect place for a mindfulness practice.

adapted from wikipedia.org

Bamboo Zen Chime Clock

Now & Zen

1638 Pearl St.

Boulder, CO  80302