saying

Circle, Triangle, Square

Inscriptions of Sengai

Edo

Traditionally attributed

Text

The circle, the triangle, the square—these are the universe entire. The square is the earth, solid and stable, the ground beneath your feet. The triangle is the beginning of all forms, the principle by which things arise. The circle is infinite emptiness, boundless and complete, without beginning or end. From emptiness, form arises; from form, the myriad things; and the myriad things return to emptiness. These three brushstrokes contain everything. What more is there to say?

license: public_domain

Attribution

Lineage: Rinzai

By Sengai Gibon

From Inscriptions of Sengai

Sources