“Kokoro” can be translated variously as “heart,” “mind,” “spirit,” or “soul.”
It refers to the innermost essence or core of a person, encompassing their emotions, thoughts, and beliefs. However, “kokoro” can also refer to a wider range of concepts, including the feelings and emotions of others, the collective consciousness or spirit of a group, and even the natural world around us.
In Japanese literature and poetry, “kokoro” is often used to convey a sense of deep emotional or spiritual resonance, such as the feeling of nostalgia or the experience of profound beauty. It is also closely associated with the idea of “mono no aware,” which refers to a sensitivity to the impermanence and transience of life, and the bittersweet sadness that arises from this awareness.
Students of Japanese literature will no doubt recognise this word as the title of a Natsume Soseki novel.
The original of this work is available to purchase here on my Etsy site.
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In Japan, calligraphy works of meaningful characters or phrases are displayed in homes, offices, temples and dōjōs as decoration and to provide inspiration.
If you would like to own some Japanese calligraphy artwork to display in your home or office, please:
– check out my Etsy site for ready-made works,
– commission a custom-made artwork,
– or email me.
Calligraphy by Vicky 