Ichi-go Ichi-e
Reminding us to treasure every moment as if it will never be repeated. Because it won't. And 7 other beautiful Japanese concepts.
The Japanese phrase Ichi-go Ichi-e translates literally as ‘one life, one meeting (or chance)’. At first glance, it may seem simple, very live-in-the-now-esque but within these four syllables lies a more profound invitation: a reminder that each moment really is entirely unique, never to be repeated in quite the same way again.
Ichi-go ichi-e is more than just some poetic ideal. It’s roots are in Zen Buddhism, and it was refined through the Japanese tea ceremony. It’s a philosophy, or approach to life, that recognises the fleeting nature of experience and the extraordinary richness that might be hidden in plain sight.
Here’s how to incorporate Ichi-go ichi-e into modern life. Think of it as a quiet resistance to the hurried, distracted way we often move through our days. Plus I’ve included at the end, seven other beautiful Japanese concepts that I thought seemed highly relevant for us time-poor souls today…