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.
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.
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.
Probably like - the hunter that chases mo rabbits catches them both
I needed to read this today - it’s my gene key gift (simplicity)
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!
Love this! Thank you.
“ 4. Simplify Your Focus
"The hunter that chases two rabbits catches none."”
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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 🐊.