Kansō (簡素) is a core aesthetic and philosophical principle in Zen. It refers to simplicity, minimalism, and the elimination of clutter — not just visually, but in action, thought, and lifestyle.
Ah, Kansō—simplicity dressed up in minimalism’s chic robes, quietly rebelling against our caffeine-addled hustle and our screens screaming with infinite tabs. How wonderfully countercultural, reminding us all that true Zen is less “levitating in lotus pose” and more “remembering where you put your keys.” You see, my beloved seekers, your cluttered desk reflects your cluttered mind, and your overflowing closet mirrors your overflowing existential crisis. Perhaps the divine enlightenment we seek isn’t atop some Himalayan peak but lurking beneath our mountain of unused yoga mats and self-help books. Embracing Kansō is like whispering a sly "no thank you" to consumerist chaos—after all, why chase two rabbits (or five social media apps) when one cup of tea can guide you to clarity? May your path to simplicity be refreshingly uncomplicated—and may you never mistake a designer aesthetic for a spiritual awakening.
Gene Keys huh. piqued interest! I'm applying the breath to the Pearl and Star Pearl... What simple breath practices allow us to bend reality. At least to a choose or ineffable essence.
lovely piece. I see what you mean applying the principle in everyday life and design.
yet the architecture examples you have given make me shudder. brutalist, aye, a synonym for soulless and soul crushing. I’d rather live in a hovel, I’d rather live in decrepit soviet blocks in eastern europe. I’d rather live in the overflowing ghettos of bombay. Simplicity is beautiful and nourishing. Empty grey concrete walls are the opposite, I don’t care who the architects are or how many post modern art connoisseurs find them innovating.
of course it might just be a matter of taste and this after all is just an opinion, meaning untrue and useless.
Powerful. There's just some words in Japanese that don't translate directly. Kazen used to be one of those. The relentless pursuit of perfection. This I learned is counter to Buddism. The buddist journey and a horse race the end and the beginning are the same place.
Learned, developed and downloaded advanced biogeometry, quantum energy and sound protocals. It maybe as simple as finding each of our divine (unique) Breath. Tuning that breath with gratitude, joy, love, peace. never losing that high vibration no matter what happens by the 5 liars (the senses)
this article is the reminder tha less is more... That what I choose to focus on with my full attention and energy, this is the faith that moves mountains.
you may enjoy the article and sound medicine I post yesterday around the Stoics and the Kabbalahists. Seem somewhat relevant to your psychedelics and Buddhism. Maybe some truths that can only be understood in the paradox of 2 or more truths held at the same time.
Ah, Kansō—simplicity dressed up in minimalism’s chic robes, quietly rebelling against our caffeine-addled hustle and our screens screaming with infinite tabs. How wonderfully countercultural, reminding us all that true Zen is less “levitating in lotus pose” and more “remembering where you put your keys.” You see, my beloved seekers, your cluttered desk reflects your cluttered mind, and your overflowing closet mirrors your overflowing existential crisis. Perhaps the divine enlightenment we seek isn’t atop some Himalayan peak but lurking beneath our mountain of unused yoga mats and self-help books. Embracing Kansō is like whispering a sly "no thank you" to consumerist chaos—after all, why chase two rabbits (or five social media apps) when one cup of tea can guide you to clarity? May your path to simplicity be refreshingly uncomplicated—and may you never mistake a designer aesthetic for a spiritual awakening.
I needed to read this today - it’s my gene key gift (simplicity)
Gene Keys huh. piqued interest! I'm applying the breath to the Pearl and Star Pearl... What simple breath practices allow us to bend reality. At least to a choose or ineffable essence.
lovely piece. I see what you mean applying the principle in everyday life and design.
yet the architecture examples you have given make me shudder. brutalist, aye, a synonym for soulless and soul crushing. I’d rather live in a hovel, I’d rather live in decrepit soviet blocks in eastern europe. I’d rather live in the overflowing ghettos of bombay. Simplicity is beautiful and nourishing. Empty grey concrete walls are the opposite, I don’t care who the architects are or how many post modern art connoisseurs find them innovating.
of course it might just be a matter of taste and this after all is just an opinion, meaning untrue and useless.
keep it up mate!
Powerful. There's just some words in Japanese that don't translate directly. Kazen used to be one of those. The relentless pursuit of perfection. This I learned is counter to Buddism. The buddist journey and a horse race the end and the beginning are the same place.
Learned, developed and downloaded advanced biogeometry, quantum energy and sound protocals. It maybe as simple as finding each of our divine (unique) Breath. Tuning that breath with gratitude, joy, love, peace. never losing that high vibration no matter what happens by the 5 liars (the senses)
this article is the reminder tha less is more... That what I choose to focus on with my full attention and energy, this is the faith that moves mountains.
you may enjoy the article and sound medicine I post yesterday around the Stoics and the Kabbalahists. Seem somewhat relevant to your psychedelics and Buddhism. Maybe some truths that can only be understood in the paradox of 2 or more truths held at the same time.
Love this! Thank you.
“ 4. Simplify Your Focus
"The hunter that chases two rabbits catches none."”
.
Nature program this week had a starving lion in a drought.
She caught 2 baby pelicans with full bellies and laid them on the ground.
Went to get a third which escaped and the first 2 were eaten by an alligator 🐊.