Underlying Aesthetics of the Japanese Arts:
Regardless of outward differences, Japanese arts share definitive philosophical and aesthetic standards. Whether the Martial arts, Japanese dance, flower arrangement, or Temari, distinctive artistic codes are held in common. In order to truly appreciate these Art forms, it is helpful to understand the underlying essentials.
Mastery of these principles comes through individual, hands on experience. All of them connect to form the harmonious totality inherent to the Japanese arts and Ways. Although many of the descriptions of terms and concepts sound familiar, they are really various methods of describing various aspects of the same entity – the Way.
Fundamental is the concept of mind and body coordination. Although some Japanese arts place a greater emphasis on this than others, the same principles can apply to most any art form. When performed in accordance to Japanese tradition, Folk arts like Temari be can be viewed as a form of moving meditation, since meditation isn't an activity, but rather a state of consciousness1
