Reflection, that is, emptiness

The red spider lilies are in full bloom, and now that we've passed the autumnal equinox, it's finally starting to feel like autumn.

We have continued to move forward, cherishing each and every connection, and on September 12th , Utsushiki celebrated its ninth anniversary.

Thank you always.

What is the origin of the name "Utsushiki" ?

I am often asked this question, and the other day something happened that made me reflect on these words.

This may not be a word you are familiar with.

This is an excerpt from a sentence written in the Kojiki, titled "Utsushiki" (a conjugation of the "shiku" form of "utsu").

It seems that many people make the mistake of writing "Beautiful Ono-san" in emails ... lol

The first impression is that it is "beautiful".

The sound when you say it out loud is beautiful.

"Utsu" is the origin of "Utsushi (to appear or be revealed)" and "Utsusu (to move or copy)".

It has the meaning of the changing seasons and a place that is constantly changing.

In architecture, there are also techniques for finishing the building so that structural materials such as pillars and beams are visible, and for showing beams without putting up a ceiling.

Apparently it's called "revised," and since the building's structure is the same, the term made sense to me.

When choosing antiques or when handling works by artists

Every time I say it, I think it's a fitting name, as it is based on the idea of ​​creating something that changes beautifully over time.

Meanwhile, I was reading a book by my husband's teacher, Masataka Matsuoka.

"In Japanese, 'sky' is read as 'utsu'.

“Utsu” also forms the word “Utsutsu” from this etymology.

Utsutsu is derived from the Japanese word for "dreamlike state," and when spelled in kanji it means "present."

"Real depression" is derived from "empty depression."

Even though emptiness and reality are thought to be complete opposites, in reality depression comes from depression.

This means that the "present" is also a kind of "temporary," and behind it lies the "emptiness."

Did you know that "空" (sky) can be read as "鬱" (utsu) ?

I happened to have the Japanese dictionary my daughter got from nursery school in front of me, so I looked it up and found that in the definition section, it said "Utsuro."

Next time, if you look it up in the Kadokawa Japanese dictionary, it says "Utsuro" in special readings ...

Write more boldly!

The kanji for "sky" was learned in the first grade of elementary school, and is now learned in the fifth grade.

If you have in the back of your mind that emptiness = reality

I thought that perhaps children naturally come to understand the concept of "emptiness," which lies at the root of all things, from an elementary school age.

Since the beginning of the year, I have been copying the Heart Sutra, and I have been thinking about what "emptiness" is ...

As I followed it, I was surprised to see it connect with Utsushiki.

When I was deciding on the name of the shop, the word "Utsushiki" came to mind.

If I hadn't decided to start copying out the Heart Sutra, the word "depression" would have gone unnoticed.

The gathering of connections and the existence of reflections

The reflection is empty, something without fixed substance.

It changes and transitions. That's what makes it so lovable.

Seigo Matsuoka said, "The sky is not emptiness, but a temple, and I feel it is extremely refreshing and cheerful."

It was written:

Yes, as we enter our ninth year here, we make it a point to keep this dream in mind.

This year is also a year of change. Our business operations will be irregular, but we would appreciate your kind support and encouragement.

The Kagetsubi exhibition has been extended by one day and is now open. This weekend, the Ichikawa Takashi exhibition will begin.

The first half of this exhibition will only feature workshops and tea ceremonies, and general sales will begin on Thursday (reservations only on the first day), so please contact us if you would like to participate or make a reservation.

Have a great week.

Ono Kaori