Enso

It was late at night when I arrived at Sensei’s home at the Yamma artist village deep in the mountains.

Climbing up the hills, Kyoto tower looked tinier at every curve of the narrow road.

I went to sleep immediately in the very damp air, summer 2011.

When I woke up with the sound of the first cicadas, Sensei was already after her morning run, the kitchen smelling with fresh coffee, and she was cooking breakfast.

We talked about her art, and I knew she has a lot of work in her studio, which is located just two steps apart from her home. She talked about the weather and how paper work in relayed upon humidity of air, water and temperature. She was working intensively, preparing her last art pieces to be sent the USA for three exhibitions.

She did not need any help and recommended me to rest the day.

I decided to stay, draw and stroll in the village. The city will wait for me.

After a few days, I stayed nights in her city office meeting her in the mornings for a short coffee time.

One morning, smiling, she said:

– Actually I know nothing about you.

– Really?!

– No.

– My calligraphy teacher did not tell you anything about me?!

– No, nothing. She was smiling widely.

– So how do you open your home completely to a total stranger?! Providing me keys to your city home, to your office?!

– Well, I trust her completely, and if she said I should have you as my guest at my home – she must be right!

Zen’s stories echoed in my mind – am I having a lesson now?

My teacher told to me that I do not need to write a lot about myself before coming to be a guest at her Sensei’s home: “She will know what she needs to know”.

I assumed she will let her know.

Instead – respectfully she left a space for both of us to meet.

I was thinking about The Enso.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uHs3SsmImPE