明鏡 (Clear Mirror, Unclouded Mind) – Japanese Kanji Design

Kanji Image Gallery

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Unlock the profound symbolism of ‘Meikyō,’ the ‘Clear Mirror’ in Japanese. This elegant Kanji compound embodies a state of pristine mental clarity and unwavering truth, reflecting the essence of a serene spirit.

Japanese Kanji

明鏡

Romaji Reading Meikyō

Core Meaning Clear Mirror, Unclouded Mind

Nuance Purity, Insight, Serenity

Tattoo Suitability Rating

★★★★☆

Reflective Wisdom / Elegant Clarity

The Kanji ‘明鏡’ beautifully encapsulates concepts of mental clarity, truth, and serenity. Its philosophical depth makes it a compelling choice for a tattoo. While the character 鏡 has a moderate number of strokes (19), it remains visually feasible and impactful. A skilled artist can render it clearly, though a slightly larger size is recommended to preserve detail and prevent potential blurring over time.

The Deep Meaning Behind 明鏡

The term ‘明鏡’ (Meikyō) is a compound of two powerful Kanji. ‘明’ (Mei) elegantly combines ‘日’ (nichi/hi), meaning ‘sun,’ and ‘月’ (tsuki/getsu), meaning ‘moon,’ symbolizing light, brightness, and clarity. ‘鏡’ (Kyō) denotes a ‘mirror,’ derived from components signifying ‘metal’ (金) and ‘to look’ or ‘to reflect.’ Together, they form the image of a ‘clear mirror.’

In Japanese culture and philosophy, ‘明鏡’ extends beyond its literal meaning. It often refers to a mind that is unclouded, impartial, and capable of reflecting reality precisely as it is, without distortion. This concept is central to Zen Buddhism, famously appearing in the idiom ‘明鏡止水’ (meikyō shisui), which describes a state of mind as clear as a polished mirror and as still as calm water – a mind free from worldly thoughts and disturbances.

Kanji Breakdown

Let’s delve into the individual components that form the profound meaning of ‘明鏡’.

明

Brightness, Clarity: Composed of 日 (sun) and 月 (moon), it represents the combined light of the two celestial bodies, signifying radiance and understanding.

鏡

Mirror, Reflection: The radical 金 (kin) means ‘metal,’ indicating the material of ancient mirrors. The right component 竟 (kyō) functions phonetically and also implies ‘to reach the end’ or ‘to look intently,’ contributing to the idea of reflection.

Conclusion

Embodying the essence of mental purity and objective truth, ‘明鏡’ is more than just a word; it is a profound philosophical statement. It serves as a reminder to cultivate an inner state of calm, clarity, and impartial perception.

For those seeking a tattoo that symbolizes inner peace, wisdom, and an unclouded perspective on life, ‘明鏡’ offers a design of elegant depth and lasting significance. It’s a powerful emblem for a journey towards self-awareness and enlightenment.