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Zen is simple and complicated: if you do it right,
it’s simple, but doing it right is a complicated
matter, since in the process you have to set aside
preconceived ideas, old habits, desires, logic,
and even belief. So it’s no wonder that, when you
come to notions of Zen beauty, it too is complex.
On the one hand, if everything in life is
ephemeral, beauty and ugliness are irrelevant. On
the other hand, creating beauty is a human urge,
used to focus the mind and glorify spiritual
themes.
The simplest thing to say about the Zen concept of
beauty is that it rests on simplicity. Not the
simplicity, though, of untouched nature. Zen
beauty is about controlled simplicity; careful
planning, weeks, years or even decades of training
the branches of a tree to bend a certain way, of
creating small ponds or waterfalls that will, over
the course of many years, wear away a particular
stone in a particular way. Zen gardens require
massive amounts of patience: their genius is that,
a well-crafted garden looks utterly natural, so
that the visitor’s mind becomes calm, reflective.
More patient. And for the gardener, the daily work
of sweeping the path, raking the gravel, caring
for the plants, is a time of serenity and peace.
We’ve all seen photographs of interiors done based
on Zen themes. They are characterized by openness;
cleared surfaces, a plant or flower, a single art
object. Based on Japanese architecture, Zen design
makes the finest use of small spaces. Nothing
ruffly. Wood and stone, natural colors rather than
busy textiles or bright paints. Simple, but
complicated for modern people who have so many
things, so many distractions.
When we start thinking about Zen in terms of
personal style, much of what we know of fashion
goes right out of the window. The art of Ikebana,
(Japanese flower arranging), relies on the fact
that a perfectly placed Ikebana may be shown with
one other work of art, a watercolor or a pot, but
never more than one. Frequently, Ikebana, a few
flowers, a long strand of reed, is the only
artwork in the room, whose bareness and simplicity
leads the eye to the arrangement and rests the eye
when the viewer looks away. If we apply Ikebana to
personal fashion, the question would be, do you
intend to be the Ikebana or the room?
The Zen answer? The room, of course. Because the
Ikebana will die in a few days, but the room is
always there to provide shelter, to delight the
eye and rest the spirit.
If you decide to take up Zen style, you’ll start
by paring down your wardrobe. Throw out trendy
stuff, and accessories beyond the absolute
essentials. Pack away the bright colors, in case
you change your mind (Zen is not wasteful). You
probably won’t choose a plain robe and sandals for
your daily wear, but, your job, environment and
lifestyle will dictate the fashions you choose.
Zen style being based on simplicity and ease, you
may decide to create a daily wardrobe; a sort of
personal uniform that keeps life simple. You may
choose Levis and a white T-shirt; chino skirts and
tops; tailored suits. Trends won’t move you, any
more than a bouquet of carnations from the
drugstore would cause envy in an Ikebana. Neutral
colors, the colors of wood, stone, sky and water
make a wardrobe that’s flexible and elegant.
Makeup will be extremely complicated because it
should be completely unnoticeable. You could skip
it entirely, but if paths are to be swept and
gravel raked, caring for the complexion might be
considered the same sort of activity. Take your
time, blend carefully, choose soft, neutral tones
that show your face to its best advantage without
overpowering your own colors. Go for matte over
shiny, natural colors over bright ones. If you
like perfume, choose one with a single note;
there’s no sense in mucking up a Zen sensibility
with heavy, complex scents.
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Below are the top 10 shoe styles every woman should have in their closet for a perfectly balanced wardrobe.
