What is miksang?
Miksang is an art form centred on Contemplative Photography. Miksang is a Tibetan word that translates as “Good Eye” and is based on the Shambala and Dharma art teaching of the late meditation master, artist and scholoar Chogyam Trungpa, Rinpoche.
Contemplative Photography
According to the Miksang Institute for Contemplative Photography, miksang “is (at its most basic level) photography concerned with uncovering the truth of pure perception. We see something vivid and penetrating, and in that moment we can express our perception without making anything up – nothing added, nothing missing. Totally honest about what we see – straight shooting.“
Simplicity is not ‘simple’
What attracts me is the simplicity and purity of an object or form but it is surprisingly complex and difficult to achieve. When taking photos I can often be hindered by my internal monitor, judgement kicks in, as does photography ‘training’ and ‘rules’. Miksang frees me to be totally captivated with a vision and express it, just as it is, no judgement, no formula or rules, no arrangement or post-processing. It is raw beauty. I start to see things in their purest sense with a mind that is relaxed, open and free.
If you’d like to find out more about Miksang, check out these links:
- Miksang Institute for Contemplative Photography
- Miksang Society for Contemplative Photography
- Miksang Life Blog – with Julie DuBose (Miksang Instructor)
- Miksang Photo Gallery (examples)
My weekly Monday Miksang Offering to you:
“Love allows understanding to dawn, and understanding is precious. Where you are understood, you are at home. Understanding nourishes belonging. When you really feel understood, you feel free to release yourself into the trust and shelter of the other person’s soul.” - John O’Donohue, Anam Cara: A Book of Celtic Wisdom
See my previous Miksang Monday posts on my Contemplative Photography page
Another beautiful set Louise!
Beautiful and intriguing.
understanding, that word resonates with your images, nicely chosen
I love the John O’ Donohue quote, and I love the tap! Hard to say why – but I looked at them on Monday, and have not forgotten them both. Just came back to look again, and make the comment.
I have two of John O’Donohue’s books and they’re well worn favourites. I’m glad you like the tap – there is a lot to it when you slow down and look! Thanks for popping back