Zen Principles of Aesthetics

The Japanese have always been masters of beautiful simplicity. The Japanese-derived Zen principles of Aesthetics are no exception, derived from Buddhist beliefs. The full list of principles follows, outlining values by which we may design our world. Individually or collectively, they should no doubt inspire something in any creative professional. My favorite is Kokou: "Basic, weathered bare essentials that are aged and unsensuous. Evokes sternness, forbiddance, maturity and weight." 

THE PRINCIPLES:

FUKINSEI (imbalanced)
Asymmetry, odd numbers, irregularity, unevenness, imbalance is used as a denial of perfection as perfection and symmetry does not occur in nature.

KANSO (simple)
Elimination of ornate and things of simplicity by nature expresses their truthfulness. Neat, frank and uncomplicated.

KOKOU (austere)
Basic, weathered bare essentials that are aged and unsensuous. Evokes sternness, forbiddance, maturity and weight.

SHIZEN (natural)
Raw, natural and unforced creativity without pretence. True naturalness is to negate the naive and accidental.

YUGEN (subtle profound)
Suggest and not reveal layers of meaning hidden within. Invisible to the casual eye and avoiding the obvious.

DATSUZOKU (unworldly)
Transcendence of conventional and traditional. Free from the bondage of laws and restrictions. True creativity.

SEIJAKU (calm)
Silence and tranquility, blissful solitude. Absence of disturbance and noise from one’s mind, body and surroundings.

Via SwissMiss