Ma: The Japanese Secret to Contemplation and Calm

Edited by Ken Rodgers and John Einarsen

Ma – the emptiness in which time, space and thought are suspended – is an invitation to awareness. Rooted in traditional Japanese aesthetics, ma is the pause between actions, the silence more powerful than sound, the space between stones or musical notes that reveals hidden depth. In this beautifully illustrated book, sixteen writers and artists explore how ma shapes Japanese art, music, religion and design. Through insightful essays and stunning photography, they show how embracing stillness and space can transform how we perceive the world – and ourselves – offering a calm, meditative response to the pace of modern life.