The Insignificant Things Will Set You Free
How to Find Freedom in Everyday Moments
I watch a tuxedo-coated cat sit calmly, protected by the house’s eve from the afternoon sun, sniffing the warm gardenia-scented air. On its surface, it’s nothing special, a throw-away moment. The mysteries of the universe won’t be explained in this ordinary everyday experience — or will they?
In today’s fast-paced and perfection-driven world, the Japanese philosophy of Wabi-Sabi provides a refreshing and calming perspective. Rooted in Zen Buddhism, Wabi-Sabi celebrates the beauty of imperfection, impermanence, and simplicity. One of the core principles of this philosophy is Yūgen (幽玄), a concept that invites us to appreciate the unique and ever-changing world around us.
What is Yūgen?
Yūgen is often described as a deep, mysterious sense of beauty that transcends the mundane. A subtle grace that hints at something beyond what can be seen or expressed. Yūgen is not about the obvious or the overt; it is about the hidden, the unspoken, and the elusive. It is the feeling you get when you witness a breathtaking sunset, hear a haunting melody, or see the moon partially obscured by clouds. Yūgen is a concept that invites us to delve deeper to explore the mysteries of life and existence.
