The Japanese concept of Ma can relate to all aspects of life. The concept of Ma has been described as “a pause in time”, an interval or emptiness in space. Ma is fundamental to growth. If we have no time, if our space is restricted, we cannot grow. How we spend our time and shape the space we live in directly impacts our progress in life. These principles are universal, and when applied effectively they enhance the way we think and how we engage with our surroundings.
We should see Ma not only as an outline of a door, for example, but a door that is open to light, thus enabling growth, sparking creativity, permitting freedom. This is Ma – the space between the edges, between the beginning and the end, the space and time in which we experience life. Ma speaks of silence as opposed to sound, of lack as opposed to excess. It is the momentary pause in speech needed to convey meaningful words, the silence between the notes that make the music…
Ma can be seen in Japanese garden design and adapted to everyday lives:
- Empty space is as important as the positive elements. Learn to see space. Learn to create space. The space allows other elements to “breathe,” to move, and connect — with each other and the viewer.
- Accept what is in front of you and allow it to be something you can live with and adapt from.
- Empty space is a powerful amplifier, helping to create a whole that is more engaging than the sum of individual parts.
- Suggestion and subtly in design engages the viewer, allowing her to complete the uncompleted.
- Arrangements (designs) should stimulate the imagination of the viewer.
- In simplicity there exists clarity, beauty, and meaning.
- Asymmetrical balance is natural, dynamic, and engaging.
- Observe the interval, space or void between two or more stationary objects – the area between two rocks or a couple of trees, for example.
- The incorporation of space or void within a garden is both aesthetic and philosophical. Space can be viewed as a void in which people, things or events manifest or happen.