Wabi sabi is
a Japanese world view emphasizing acceptance and reverence of the imperfect, incomplete,
impermanent, even desolate. A comprehensive article on the website Tofugu
addresses this complicated concept, exploring each of the two standalone words
and their connection to Buddhism.
Societal shifts and mainland exchanges
influenced approaches toward wabi sabi,
and this perspective trickled throughout national consciousness over the ages.
Contemporary groups, for example, honor this tradition with parties celebrating
the ephemeral beauty of cherry blossoms. Wabi
sabi’s traditional origin linked to tea ceremony, that history is considered
an excellent study resource.
As for me, I am guilty of the
common Western, rather exclusive focus upon imagery, sabi, the aesthetic. The philosophy of wabi permeates deeper within Japanese culture, and their very
language. That said, I used my camera during a recent hike to literally focus
upon what I considered visual portrayals, however inaccurate or pretentious.
I wish my Greek influenced
opinions of beauty were kinder to the aging human body. ~sigh~ There is a
reason I prefer being behind the camera lens.
Do you find the appearance of
fading vegetation interesting?
I do find it fascinating. The seasons are amazing.
ReplyDeleteHave a fabulous day, Darla. Be well, my friend. ♥
Agreed. I hope you are well and enjoying this day!
DeleteI was just outside, snapping photos of changing leaves lit with sunlight. While I still have eyes to see, legs to carry me, and a heart that lifts when I'm in the presence of Mother Nature, I won't apologize for my wanderings in the woods, my upteen zillion photos of fungus, tree bark, and cool (to me, at least) textures and colors. There is always something new to experience out there.
ReplyDeleteGood for you! I couldn't agree more.
DeleteGreat photos. I like this time of year best when everything is turning colors. I used to join a blog hop called Sabi Saturday that was for sharing old and or broken things that were repurposed.
ReplyDeleteThank you. And I like the idea of re-purposing. Unfortunately, I don't have the eye for it. Be well!
DeleteBeautifullllllllll... I especially love the 6th photo down. So lovely...
ReplyDeleteBeing _much_ older, I _have_ to love the concept of Wabi Sabi!!!! -smile-
Don't they sometimes, "fix" a crack in a pot, with gold? To really celebrate, the lack-of-perfection?
🍂🍁🍂
You're very kind. And yes, that type of crockery repair practice is a thing. Be well!
DeleteGreat pictures. That does sound like a very Zen concept.
ReplyDeleteThank you. And I agree. :)
DeleteI love the third from the bottom photo. Who says what is perfect or beautiful. I like the wabi sabi concept.
ReplyDeleteYou're very kind. ~hugs~ Thank you.
DeleteI find those time lapse photographs of decaying vegetation fascinating, although a little depressing. Yes, if only everyone could see beauty shining through my wrinkles! Great post and I agree it's often the imperfections that enhance beauty.
ReplyDeleteI bet many folks do! ~grin~ Be well.
DeleteGreat photos. I am not so much into decaying plants. I however love the leaves on the ground that fall but still retain their color. Oh...I love imperfections, they have their own beauty.
ReplyDeleteThank you. As a very accomplished, self taught photographer, you are kind to flatter me. Be well, my dear.
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