Enso: The Timeless Circle

Good buy!

John Stevens' book, ENSO: The Timeless Circle, is devoted to the history of the enso, the zen circle, illustrated with more than sixty superb examples from the 13th century to Professor Steven's own ensos. In his insightful descriptions of each of the illustrations, Stevens gives fascinating interpretations of what has happened, and suggests how to interpret these circles. The text with each enso provides background and historical context. Every enso is accompanied by an illustration of the entire scroll, showing a wide range of formats. An enso is a snapshot of a moment; and Stevens points out that an enso at the start of a session will be different than the enso at session's end, reminding us to stay alert, aware of the uniqueness and value of every moment. Each enso reveals the personality and state of mind of the person who made it. An enso is both nothing and an entire universe, or it can be a moon, a tea bowl, a rice cake or a hole in the wall. This book is both a treasure for connoisseurs, and a welcoming introduction for beginners curious about zen art and philosophy.