Le Grand Banc retreat Enso

In conclusion to a week long Yoga – Meditation and Creativity retreat in Provence, France, last October 2022.

This Ensō art piece was especially created by Tashi as a final demonstration to the 16 present participants, who all partook in creating their own Ensō creations, as a daily exercise, in support of engendering the right view and practice during sitting Meditation.

This mindful ritual of creating an Ensō originates from the Japanese Zen tradition. A practice which naturally challenges the practitioner to be in an undistracted present state of nowness during its creation, observing the grasping tendency of fear and expectation – qualities one would observe and tame as a meditator.

It is taught that “perfection is in the imperfection” as there should be no attachment to the created Ensō, resulting beautiful or ugly, but a mere recording of that moment in time, which nakedly reveals the state of mind, honest and pure.

If you are interested to attend such a retreat this May 2023, please contact Tashi to register.

What is Ensō?

– Belonging to the Japanese Zen tradition of calligraphy, An ensō is simply a circle painted with one brushstroke, in a single breath of awareness. A meditative gesture of that moment in time it is created. Yet it is deeply symbolic on many levels, which expresses the totally of our pure true nature of mind.

An ensō is created during a specifically mindful ritual, a guided exercise of meditation in action. With full attention and physical fluidity, any hesitation or desire to create perfection is challenged with ones expectations and apprehensions. Clearly seen as a recording of that moment in time it is created. It is to be a selfless practice in the present state of nowness.