What We Can Learn From Kintsugi
Start writing a post
Entertainment

What We Can Learn From Kintsugi

The Art of Treasured Scars

904
What We Can Learn From Kintsugi
Google Images

I have been fascinated by the Eastern World for as long as I can remember (India and Japan, especially). We can learn so much from the ways of life found there, such as how to value rest, and to treasure simplicity. What I want to talk about, though, is Kintsugi, a practice started in Japan.

Kintsugi comes from 'kin' which means "golden", and 'tsugi' which means "repair." Although it is not known exactly when this practice began, it is thought that General Ashikaga Yoshimasa sparked it unintentionally in the 15th century when he broke a cherished bowl.

He sent it off to be repaired, but it was sent back to him with a poor excuse for a mending so local Japanese craftsmen tossed around ideas for their own solution. What they came up with has continued to this day. Instead of trying to mask the cracks of Yoshimasa's bowl, they bonded the bowl together with gold, making the cracks art. This directly contrasts the Western world's value of symmetry, smoothness, and the uniform by employing wabi-sabi, a philosophy that celebrates the imperfect and broken.

Once that one beloved bowl was repaired and celebrated, cracks and all, more pottery and broken things were restored, even to this day. Showing your struggles and flaws will have the same effect on the people around you. More people will not break before your eyes, but you will see that they already were broken, and that they are still beautiful. We should learn this art of treasuring our scars and flaws so we can see the beauty in the flaws of others as well.

We, who were whole and then broke into shards that would cut and bleed and scar, were pieced together as many instruments in a symphony. We will continue to hold and carry, not letting anything slip through to be lost. These treasured scars shimmer in the light that we wanted to hide them and their reflection will pierce the jaded that ever said, "it is broken" instead of, "it is whole."

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

21 EDM Songs for a Non-EDM Listener

Ever wanted to check out EDM music, but didn't know where to start? Look no further! Start here.

1653
21 EDM Songs for a Non-EDM Listener
www.wallpapersafari.com

If you have been following me for a long time, then you know I write about two main things: relateable articles and communication media based articles. Now, it is time for me to combine the two. For those of you that don't know, I am a radio DJ at IUP, and I DJ for a show called BPM (Beats Per Minute). It is an EDM, or electronic dance music, based show and I absolutely love it.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

100 Reasons to Choose Happiness

Happy Moments to Brighten Your Day!

21358
A man with a white beard and mustache wearing a hat

As any other person on this planet, it sometimes can be hard to find the good in things. However, as I have always tried my hardest to find happiness in any and every moment and just generally always try to find the best in every situation, I have realized that your own happiness is much more important than people often think. Finding the good in any situation can help you to find happiness in some of the simplest and unexpected places.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

6 Things Owning A Cat Has Taught Me

This one's for you, Spock.

7978
6 Things Owning A Cat Has Taught Me
Liz Abere

Owning a pet can get difficult and expensive. Sometimes, their vet bills cost hundreds of dollars just for one visit. On top of that, pets also need food, a wee wee pad for a dog, a litter box with litter for a cat, toys, and treats. Besides having to spend hundreds of dollars on them, they provide a great companion and are almost always there when you need to talk to someone. For the past six years, I have been the proud owner of my purebred Bengal cat named Spock. Although he's only seven years and four months old, he's taught me so much. Here's a few of the things that he has taught me.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

Kinder Self - Eyes

You're Your Own Best Friend

8966
Kinder Self - Eyes
Pexels

It's fun to see all of the selfies on social media, they are everywhere. I see pictures with pouty lips, duck lips and pucker lips. I see smokey eyes, huge fake lashes and nicely done nose jobs, boob jobs and butt lifts. Women working out in spandex, tiny tops and flip flops. I see tight abs and firm butts, manicured nails and toes, up dos and flowing hair. "Wow", I think to myself," I could apply tons of make-up, spend an hour on my hair, pose all day and not look like that. Maybe I need a longer stick!"

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

Rap Songs With A Deeper Meaning

Rap is more than the F-bomb and a beat. Read what artists like Fetty, Schoolboy Q, Drake, and 2Pac can teach you.

26601
Rap artist delivers performance on stage
Photo by Chase Fade on Unsplash

On the surface, rap songs may carry a surface perception of negativity. However, exploring their lyrics reveals profound hidden depth.Despite occasional profanity, it's crucial to look beyond it. Rap transcends mere wordplay; these 25 song lyrics impart valuable life lessons, offering insights that extend beyond the conventional perception of rap music.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments