Enso

In its simplicity and directness, the enso or Zen circle, goes beyond words to convey essential Zen teaching. Among its many meanings, it represents the universe and everything, while at the same time symbolizing the void. The enso serves as an aid to meditation that can help the mind reach both fullness and emptiness.Bankei became the 218th abbot of Myoshin-ji in Kyoto but spent much of his time traveling throughout Japan speaking to general audiences. Known for his unconventional approaches, he taught that each person (men and women alike) has an inherited Buddha-mind that is unborn but can be buried by selfishness and desire. Bankei developed an individualistic style in his painting and calligraphy. While the enso is typically brushed in a single stroke, he sometimes used two strokes. Here he appears to have painted the enso by circling the brush twice. The inscription quotes a famous koan (a Zen conundrum), of Chinese priest Xuansha Shibei (Gensha Shibi, 835-908) from the Compendium of the Five Lamps [Goto egen], a 13th century compilation of Zen dialogues:Master Gensha was asked by a monk “Does a monk have to know all the basics of society?”The master replied, “I am Shasanro.”