Ensō Circle: A Zen Symbol Of Enlightenment

In Zen Buddhism, the ensō circle symbolizes simplicity and harmony. Only those who keep an open mind and like inner balance are able to draw this perfect circle, which should never be closed.

Buddhist teachers often say that it is impossible to explain one another. Although ensō is not a simple circle or an art form, many people choose to have this minimalist zen expression tattooed on their bodies.

Those who draw the ensō circle want to express a complete and fulfilled personal state, where everything and nothing exists simultaneously in the present. The open space of ensō represents being open to infinity.

The Ensō circle and inner balance

Circles have always had a magical, symbolic and spiritual transcendence. Carl Jung himself was fascinated by this shape, especially the concept of mandala.

In his spare time, or when he had to distance himself from his problems, he used to draw circles. According to him, they symbolized the formation and transformation of one’s mind. According to the famous Swiss psychiatrist, we find peace through this form, in addition to the drive to go further.

For Zen Buddhists, on the other hand, the ensō circle evokes the perfect moment when the mind is free to leave the body. Therefore, only a mentally and spiritually fulfilled person can draw a truly one.

You could say that this drawing symbolizes the reflection of the individual’s illumination, an artist’s ability to evoke his inner perfection through a circle.

This symbol originated in China in the 28th century BC. In the famous Shin jin mei, an oriental poem that represents the essence of Zen Buddhism, ensō is described as a large room where there is nothing missing or left. It also explains that the first ensō circle was created when a monk asked his teacher to explain what enlightenment was in words. The teacher told him that he could not describe it in words because it was practically impossible. Thus he picked up a brush and rice paper and drew a circle.

Ensō and the universe

Circles represent different things for different cultures. This symbol evokes a perfect representation of the world, movement and the epicenter where everything is concentrated. It symbolizes ouroboros, a snake that bites its own tail and creates the shape of a circle.

It represents the full moon and its contact with nature, which is able to attract the tide. It is the empty cup of tea where you can read the future. There is even the Dharma Chakra, which contains Buddhist wisdom. The Ensō circle is essentially the universe itself in motion.

How to draw the ensō circle

To draw ensō, you have to start from an idea: Fukinsei, the negation of perfection. It is simply a matter of capturing the moment through attention. You must free your mind and push all worries aside to experience your true self. Then draw the ensō circle in a single brushstroke.

There is no such thing as the “perfect circle”. Remember that perfection is not what you are looking for and that is why you should not think about your abilities, your efforts or the result. You have to follow the current and let go.

Zen art is an external expression of the inner state. Therefore, to draw or paint an authentic ensō circle, you must continue to work with it until you find peace and balance. Only when you are truly prepared will you be able to give shape to one: the imperfect circle that perfectly represents the present moment.