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Many of life's precious experiences, be it a fiery sunset, a baby’s giggle, or a budding flower, often feel too brief. Although these moments may be fleeting, embracing their transient nature actually leads to a deeper appreciation of life.
The Japanese philosophy mono no aware offers a profound perspective on finding beauty in life's ephemeral nature, reported The HuffPost.
Understanding This Ancient wisdom
The Japanese word mono means thing, no means of, and aware refers to a deep feeling or sensitivity. The term translates to the pathos of things and it originated in the eighth century during Japan's Heian period.
Mono no aware gained real prominence in the 18 th century thanks to the cultural scholar Motoori Norinaga. In current Japanese culture, mono no aware is a type of deep and gentle wistfulness towards life and is a theme in books, films, and manga comics
Understanding and accepting life's innate uncertainty helps one cope with an overwhelming feeling that may come with impermanence, according to Georgetown University’s Berkley Center blog. By transforming your perspective on finite existence, you can recognize the beauty of change in itself, loving life by embracing those fleeting moments.
Appreciating the fragility of life is lacking in Western culture, with many preferring to cling to the ‘good old days’ and a ‘happily ever after’ version of life. Mono no aware is the opposite. Rejecting the West’s blissful and unrealistic approach to the transient, the concept reveals that loved ones, revered objects, and magical occasions may come and go, yet they should be appreciated in the moment. Their very transience makes them precious.
Finding beauty in Transience
This concept is also a tenet of Buddhism, explains HuffPost, where liberation comes via an acceptance of impermanence and leads to an appreciation of the ephemeral. Such acceptance creates a distinctive emotional state; as opposed to feeling despair over the fleeting moment, one quietly rejoices in the ability to witness the beauty in the first place. In other words, it is a sigh as opposed to a cry.
This poignant feeling, often reflected in nature, is a theme in Japanese art and literature, according to The School of Life. Be it scarlet autumnal leaves, the changing phases of the moon, or petals drifting to the ground, mono no aware evokes a beautiful and inspiring sadness. Developing the ability to view the world with such eyes can evoke a creative sensibility, be it through poetry, painting, or music.
The next time you hear a baby laugh, watch a rose petal fall, or hear a whispering wind rustle leaves, rejoice in what the Berkley Center calls the “ahhness of things.” Embrace mono no aware so the beauty stirs you, brings joy, and transforms from within.
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