Serenity for Zen/Meditation with Samue
In this blog, I would like to introduce how our samue help in your Zen/meditation practice. Samue is a loose-fitting and functional garment. Wearing samue helps you feel more comfortable and creates calmness and peace of mind while participating in Zen/meditation.
What is Samue in the first place?
Samue is work wear worn by Zen priests when performing their daily chores (samu). The original form of samue was a long jacket and monpe pants worn over a kimono, and although it is unclear when samue in its current form first appeared, one theory is that it was first used at Eiheiji Temple in Fukui Prefecture in the 1960s.
Samue was originally a work uniform, so it is not worn during formal zazen or Dharma ceremonies. However, since Zen and meditation have become well-known as a part of the daily routine for staying healthy and maintaining mindfulness, this loose-fitting samue has attracted attention as a comfortable garment for zazen and meditation.
Positive Effects on Practicing Zen / Meditation
As I mentioned, nowadays, people around the world are incorporating Zen and meditation into their daily lives. Scientifically, it has been proven to have positive effects, such as reducing stress, improving concentration, and facilitating smooth relationships with those around you.
Many celebrities and business people practice Zen/meditation as their daily routine and they have said it helps improve their performance and keep them both physically and mentally healthy.
The Differences Between Zen and Meditation
Zen and meditation were derived from Buddhism
The Buddha, the founder of Buddhism, learned Indian yogic meditation techniques and developed them into something safer and more systematic. Therefore, some Buddhist schools still carry on yogic meditation techniques, while others have developed them further on their own.
Zen meditation is practiced in Zen Buddhism, a branch of Mahayana Buddhism. This originated in China and was introduced to Japan during the Kamakura period (1185-1333). Zazen is one of the basic practices of Buddhism in which one faces oneself by sitting in an upright posture and unifying the mind. Its original meaning is “to quietly reexamine one's mind.
The Important Elements of Buddhism
Buddhism believes that everything on earth and in the universe is composed of five elements: earth, water, fire, wind, and air.
The underlying idea is that “all things in heaven and earth change and circulate according to their mutual influence on each other, their births and deaths, and their rise and fall. These elements create all things and when these five elements are in harmony, we can maintain a state of peace and tranquility.
Let’s take a look at each element and see what they symbolize.
- 【 Air 】Emptiness
- 【 Wind 】Growth, Expansion, Freedom
- 【 Fire 】Strength, Passion, Motivation, Desire
- 【 Water 】Fluidity, Flexibility, Adjusting to change
- 【 Earth 】Earth, Firmness, Resistance to movement or change
WASUIAN Samue with the Colors of the Five Element
For both Zen and meditation, staying still and creating a calm and relaxing space is the key to accomplishing the purpose of each practice.
To enhance the style and the atmosphere, you may want to try our samue. I'd like to introduce our Kasuri Tsumugi Samue, available in a variety of colors that you can imagine for each element.
Image Colors for Each Element
1/ Air (Warmth)
The light coloring gives you an impression of warmth and softness.
2/ Wind (Coolness)
Make your mind calm and free just like a gentle breeze.
3/ Fire (Lively)
You can feel energy and strength from its gorgeous and vivid colors.
4/ Water (Freshness)
The blue color makes you feel refreshed and rejuvenated.
5/ Earth (Solidity)
The earthy colors create a calm and sturdy atmosphere.
I selected samue colors based only on my image of the nature of these elements. Which color would you choose for each element? As Wasuian’s signature item, Kasuri Tsumugi Samue is available in 17 colors and sizes from SS to LL, making it suitable for everyone from petite to full-figured individuals. I’m sure this samue will enhance your comfort and bring lasting calm to both your mind and body.
Why don’t you design your personal relaxing space in our samue, making your surroundings and inner energy work together to cultivate a Zen / Meditation mindset?