Symbols
Tomoe (Mitsu tomoe, futatsu tomoe, tomoe-mon,
fire-wheel)
Definition:
This symbol is ubiquitous on Buddhist and Shinto
temples all over Japan. Its name is tomoe, meaning
turning or circular (sometimes, "earth"). The tomoe
is related to the yin yang symbol, and has a similar
meaning, representing the play of forces in the
cosmos. Visually, it is made up of interlocked flames
resembling tadpoles.
The most common tomoe emblem has three flames (triple,
or 'mitsu' tomoe"), but one, two, or four are not
uncommon. A triple (mitsu) Tomoe reflects the threefold
division of Shinto cosmology, and is said to represent
the earth, the heavens, and humankind. It is often
associated with the Shinto war deity Hachiman.
A tomoe-mon is a tomoe used as a kamon, or family
crest, a device similar to a coat of arms. This
is the kamon, or crest Shimabuku had on his kimono
in his formal photo.
Enso
Definition:
The enso, a simple circle drawn with a single, broad
brushstroke, is the Zen symbol of infinity. It represents
the infinite void, the 'no-thing,' the perfect meditative
state, and Satori (enlightenment.)
YIN YANG
The Yin Yang (Ch) or In'yo (Jp) is
the easily recognized Chinese symbol of the interplay
of forces in the universe. In Chinese philosophy,
yin and yang represent the two primal
cosmic forces in the universe. Yin (moon)
is the receptive, passive, cold female force.
Yang (sun) is masculine- force, movement, heat.
The Yin Yang symbol represents the idealized harmony
of these forces; equilibrium in the universe. In
ancient Taoist texts, white and black represent
enlightenment and ignorance, respectively.
| Here are
some key Yin/Yang associations |
| Yin |
Yang |
| female
|
male |
| earth |
heaven |
| moon |
sun |
| black |
white |
| darkness |
light |
| fat |
muscle, bone |
| soft |
hard |
| in |
out |
| horizontal |
vertical |
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