Wabi Sabi: The Art of Everyday Life

With "slow living" as the newest incarnation of the simplicity movement, the search for fresh inspiration on ways to live a more authentic life is as pressing as ever. Turning to Eastern traditions, people are discovering the Japanese concept of wabi sabi.

The perfect antidote to today's frenzied, consumer-oriented culture, wabi sabi encourages slowing down, living modestly, and appreciating the natural and imperfect aspect of material culture. While defying definition, wabi sabi is best expressed in brief, evocative bites.

In Wabi Sabi: The Art of Everyday Life, Diane Durston, a noted writer on Japanese art and culture, presents a collection of reflections, along with classic poetry and verse from both Eastern and Western traditions, that capture the wabi sabi moment, and inspire readers to do the same. The subtle beauty of nature, the simplicity of a found object, the impermanence of an autumnal flower arrangement, the solitude of a single fisherman in his boat are all celebrated and reflected upon in this easily browseable book. The text is complemented by photography and calligraphy inspired by the wabi sabi spirit.

This collection of simple, yet profound insights in an irresistable, hold-in-the-hand package offers readers the opportunity for integrating moments of contemplation and meditation into their daily lives, and to discover the essence of wabi sabi.

This collection of simple, yet profound insights in an irresistable, hold-in-the-hand package offers readers the opportunity for integrating moments of contemplation and meditation into their daily lives, and to discover the essence of wabi sabi.

Tranquil simplicity, rustic elegance, imperfect beauty...these are qualities that wabi sabi embraces.

Originating in Japan, the wabi-sabi perspective resonates in voices from across cultures and throughout the ages. The gems of wisdom collected in this engaging little book inspire us to discover the humble beauty in our daily lives.

Diane Durston lived in Japan for 18 years, and is a writer and expert on Japan and other Asian cultures. She has written three previous books on Japan, including Old Kyoto. Durston currently lives in Portland, Oregon.