Ma: The Japanese Secret to Contemplation and Calm: An Invitation to Awareness

"Ma-the emptiness in which time, space and thoughts are suspended-is an invitation to awareness."The traditional Japanese concept of ma refers to a pause or a space, "the moment of no action, the stillness and silence that is filled with more powerful energy than the moments of action" on the classic Noh stage.It also refers to the pauses taken in between notes by a shakuhachi flute player or the spaces between stones in a Zen garden which reveal unexpected vistas and perspectives. The eighteen thought-provoking essays in this book present the work of talented writers and artists with vast experience in the fields of Japanese art, religion, music and philosophy.They show us how the experience of ma in the traditional Zen arts and practices can be used to create a greater awareness of our surroundings to vastly improve our lives in many other areas. Highlights include:"The Unspoken Space We Share" by Pico Iyer, who reflects on our word choice, the way we speak to each other and the paus