Most cultures have immense value hidden in their philosophical depths achieved through their existence over time. One such gem is Yugen, which was discovered in Chinese texts and is an important principle in Noh, a traditional Japanese theatrical form. 

Yugen, to us, is a feeling that is experienced once we truly immerse in the minuteness of the beauty that surrounds the various aspects of our world – internal as well as external. A feeling that sinks our heart and engulfs us in inexplicable awe. A feeling that touches our being to the extent of transforming us.

Or as Zeami Motokiyo, 14th-century Japanese aesthetician puts it:

“To watch the sun sink behind a flower clad hill. To wander on in a huge forest without thought of return. To stand upon the shore and gaze after a boat that disappears behind distant islands. To contemplate the flight of wild geese seen and lost among the clouds…” 

We hope Yugen sets the tone for 2021 as well as for the remaining years of our lives and be the guiding word to deeply feel in our hearts the emotions generated from the beauty that exists on this planet.

Recommended reading: https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/japanese-aesthetics/