An inspiring and comforting thought, don’t you think? Enso teaches us that we are perfect as we are- that our imperfections make us unique rather than flawed. Either way, it is not to be modified, altered, or “fixed”, only accepted. Or maybe the circle is closed representing accomplishment and gratification.

Perhaps the end product is an open circle, symbolizing openness to development and growth. When painting the Enso, you let go of expectations and simply allow yourself to complete the fluid motion. The circle drawn is what was meant to be drawn and that, in and of itself, is true beauty.

As mentioned before, the Enso captures what is and should be. Instead, the Enso symbolizes beauty in imperfection or the idea of Wabi-Sabi. It is not meant to be a perfect circle, nor is it supposed to represent an eagerness for perfection. It is a spiritual experience: a single stroke in which the universe is as it is. It is a snapshot of the relationship between artist and medium, fully encompassing the completeness or emptiness of the moment. On a more individual level, Enso is said to represent the artist’s innermost self at that particular moment in time. It represents the circle of life, connection, and community. In Zen philosophy, Enso is the visual representation of harmony. Zen teachings center and revolve around enlightenment of spirit, mind, and soul. The Enso is harmony, peace, and acceptance: it is absolute enlightenment, strength, elegance, everything, and nothing at all. It represents fortitude and grace, ignorance and wisdom. It is the emblem of everything and nothing, the eternal and finite. Enso transcends even typical themes of continuity into a metaphoric commentary on the relationship between artist and canvas. At first glance, our logo may seem a tad ordinary, but the Enso is a sacred symbol that represents much more than its literal translation of “circle”.

Enso symbol meaning