Kyōka Suigetsu
Japanese Name
きょうかすいげつ
kyoukasuigetsu
Description
- "Kyouka suigetsu" is a Japanese phrase meaning "flower reflected in a mirror, moon on water." It describes something beautiful but intangible or illusory—like a dream or an illusion that cannot be grasped, symbolizing fleeting beauty or the ephemeral nature of life.
History
- The phrase originates from Chinese Chan (Zen) Buddhism and classical Chinese poetry, later adopted into Japanese culture.
- It appears in various Japanese literary and artistic works, reflecting Zen ideals of impermanence (無常, mujō) and the illusory nature of reality.
- The concept has influenced Japanese aesthetics, including tea ceremony, painting, and poetry.
- English Usage
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