✨ From The Venerable Tradition of Geido - Lessons in Aesthetics for The Budding Work Aesthete:
- duncan31781
- Sep 22
- 14 min read
Updated: Sep 27
🪞How a 700-year-old Japanese tradition of disciplined artistry mirrors the modern Purpose Pyramid and illuminates the timeless journey from imitation to transcendence.
⌛ Estimated Reading Time: 14–16 minutes (~3,700 words)
Synopsis / Preview: Viewed through the prism of aesthetics, discover how the Japanese tradition of Geidō offers timeless wisdom for mastering your vocation and embracing artistic transcendence. This essay suggests a fusion of Geidō with Duncan's Purpose Pyramid and Work Aesthetics, aimed at inspiring those seeking depth, purpose, flow and vocational alignment.
In The Fine Art of Purpose-Divining, Introducing the Relevance of the Respected Ritual of Geido:
As so many of us are perplexed by the mystery of zeroing-in on our life-purpose, I strive to identify pathways that can serve as cues and clues in our quest for self-discovery. As such an excellent example, I introduce you to the venerable institution of Geido - the ‘way of art’. According to the ancient lore associated with it, we discover that the Japanese have bestowed upon us a timeless framework for mastering any creative endeavour, from the delicate strokes of calligraphy to the disciplined motions of martial arts, from their renowned lacquerware to the mystique of crafting Samurai swords.
This ancient concept, delineating one’s path to mastery and honed over 700 years, is not merely a set of techniques but a philosophy of life and learning that parallels my own pathways portrayed in the Good Being Meaning of Life-Engine; which, in turn, is underpinned by my Career Dovetail Formula, The Talent Triangles, The Purpose Pyramid, Potential-Thieving Triangle and Potential-Fulfilling Triangle - modern constructs designed to guide fulfilment seekers towards maximising their potential, attaining ‘full-humanness’ and departing this mortal coil replete in the knowledge that our time spent here on Earth, traversing this plane, was time well spent.
At the heart of Geido lies an exhilarating three-part journey that opens the doors to personal growth, transformation, and, with dedicated effort, the possibility of reaching the highest level of human achievement, transcendence. This transformative journey is not just about mastering an art-form, but about evolving as a person, which can be a source of inspiration and motivation for all of us.
Shugyo (修行) - The voyage begins with a pledge that commits to a bearing-point setting course for a destiny far beyond the mediocre. A pledge acknowledging that the attainment of true mastery – by association – has to be a marathon rather than a sprint. In this foundational stage, novices prepare themselves for a voyage to vocation, fully embracing their calling. With a growing conviction as they build strong foundations resulting from the clues supplied by the self-inventory, impelled by The Purpose Pyramid (self-knowledge resulting from self-inventory and awareness of aptitudes).
Deshi (弟子) - As ‘apprentices’ advance into this intermediate phase, they delve deep into their craft, accessing insight through the eyes of their instructor. In authentically affecting others, this magical practice of ‘heart-to-heart transmission’ allows them not only to mimic but also to internalise the essence of their mentor's tacit expertise. This stage highlights my Potential-Fulfilling Triangle (discussed elsewhere in my blog's canon), where absorbing their teacher’s dedication bridges the gap between novice and master, cultivating a profound affinity with the success that they direct their intention toward.
Satori (悟り) - The voyage culminates in the emergence of a far more authentic version of self-expression. At this point in their development, creators step into the spotlight for themselves, discovering their unique voices and individual styles. Characterised by 'mujen' (mindlessness) and 'yugi' (playfulness), this phase invites artists to explore freely, fuelled by inspiration from within. It represents the pinnacle of The Purpose Pyramid, where individuals maximise their potential, achieve self-actualisation, and honestly express their optimum vocation.
Just as my Career Dovetail Formula, Talent Triangles, The Purpose Pyramid and the Potential-Fulfilling Triangle guide individuals towards a life of meaningful engagement and self-discovery, Geido offers a path to artistic enlightenment. In mastering an art-form through Geido, one not only learns the techniques but also uncovers deeper layers of one's identity, crafting a life that chimes with conviction, purpose and joy. Each brushstroke, each note, every act becomes a reflection of the Self, a testament to the journey from disciplined practice to creative fruition. Consequently, in the spirit of Geido, we find not just skill but a deeper understanding of our place in the world and the potential that lies – not just within each of us – but also the person we will grow into in the future.
In the context of Geido, the Japanese artistic tradition, 'mujen' refers to a state of mindlessness or a state of no-mind. This concept is deeply rooted in Zen Buddhist philosophy; which emphasises the importance of being fully present and unburdened by conscious thought or preconceived notions during the act of creation or performance.
Mujen is about achieving a state where the mind is clear of clutter and distraction, allowing for an uninhibited flow of creativity and action. It's a state where the artist or practitioner is not hindered by the ego or by analytical thinking; which can impede spontaneous and natural expressions of art. This mindfulness - or rather, mind-less-ness - enables the devotee to respond instinctively within any moment, deeply immersed in the activity with a kind of purity and authenticity that is central to true mastery in any artistic endeavour, as renowned positive psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi referred to it, ‘flow state’, which is referred to elsewhere in my blog.
In practical terms, as activities pursue mastery, attaining mujen means that a creator or martial artist performs their skills without conscious effort, with such conviction, muscle memory, instinctiveness, and assuredness that seems almost automatic but is infused with years of devotion, control, self-sacrifice, training, insight, and investment in themselves. This attained state fosters a profound connection between the practitioner and their art, enabling the highest modes of expression and becoming.
This pursuit of true mastery, achieved by attaining the state of 'mujen', is profoundly beautiful because it represents the pinnacle of human potential in any discipline. This state of flow, where conscious thought recedes and purity of instinct takes over, allows for a seamless fusion of skill, accrued insight, and spirit as the enactment of the soul’s calling. Here are several reasons why this pursuit is considered so aesthetically and philosophically beautiful:
Effortless Expression: As our work ceases to be labour, through mujen, the practitioner's actions become effortless and fluid, free from the constraints of deliberate thinking. This effortlessness is the result of years of disciplined practice, where the techniques have been so deeply internalised, muscle memory so ingrained, and strategies so instinctual, that they are expressed spontaneously. This natural, unforced expression is often seen as the most genuine form of beauty in any artistic endeavour.
Unity with the Art: Achieving mujen means transcending the Self. In this state, there is a profound unity between the creator and their creations, where the distinction between the artist and their art form blurs. This precise synchronisation is a demonstration of harmony and balance, principles highly valued in both Eastern and Western aesthetic philosophies. Or, as I refer to it in my Work Aesthetics philosophy, “…a delight-filled fusion of fabric, function, form and flow”.
Spontaneity & Authenticity: Mujen allows for spontaneous reactions that are authentically aligned with the moment. This spontaneity is not random but a direct manifestation of years of ingrained muscle-memory, reflexive instinct building, and experience the practitioner has laid down. The ability to act without hesitation and with complete relevance to the presenting dynamic is seen as a pure and truthful expression of the Self.
Freedom from Ego: The state of mujen is characterised by freedom from ego, where actions are not dictated by conscious intent. As the typification of the master artisan, this selflessness is inherently attractive because it embodies the ideals of purity and unconditioned reality. In such moments, the art produced is not a means to an end but an end in itself, celebrated for the intrinsic value bestowed upon it by years of dedication.
Deep Presence & Awareness: Although mujen is described as ‘mind-less-ness’, it is paradoxically associated with a heightened state of awareness. As the practitioner is deeply present, attuned to every nuance of their environment and their interface with it. This deep presence enhances the sensitivity and subtlety of the art, making it even more profound and impactful for the appreciator.
Embodiment of Synergy & The Emergence of Soul: Mujen embodies the living synergy and emergence of personal, cultural, and spiritual dimensions - an alignment in art form where the whole is not only greater, but fundamentally different from the sum of its otherwise separate parts. It is a holistic, transcendent practice that connects individuals to a collective consciousness, imbuing each act with enduring significance.
Connection to a Larger Reality: Mujen connects the practitioner to something greater than themselves, whether it be the rich tradition of their art, the cultural heritage it represents, or a more spiritual or existential plane. This connection imbues their practice with a sense of purpose and continuity that transcends individual achievement.
Just as in my Work Aesthetics philosophy, the beauty in acquiring mujen lies in the exquisite veneers of these profound layers of life experience and self-expression required for the attainment of true mastery. It is not merely a technical achievement but a spiritual and philosophical one, reflecting the deep interconnections between discipline, creativity, and the essence of being human.
Master craftsmen and artists often speak of attaining a state of bliss and discovering their true selves through mujen. This state transcends ordinary consciousness and fosters a deep connection with their craft. This profound connection evokes a sense of bliss, characterised by deep fulfilment and joy that arises from complete immersion and unity with their work. The experience is closely linked to self-discovery and bliss for several compelling reasons.
Mujen involves transcending the everyday Self that is bogged down by personal identity, worries, and ambitions. By moving beyond these boundaries, individuals may experience a state of liberation and expansiveness, releasing the usual constraints of self; which can be profoundly blissful, allowing a purer form of consciousness to emerge. This state shares similarities with what modern psychologists refer to as the "flow state" - a condition of being completely involved in an activity for its own sake. Here, the ego falls away, time distorts, and performance reaches its peak.
Artists and artisans in mujen are fully absorbed, their skills and intuitions flowing unhindered, often associated with happiness and contentment. Moreover, mujen allows for a harmonious interaction between the artist and their medium, whether it's paint, clay, music, or movement. This harmony creates a sense of rightness or alignment that can be incredibly satisfying. Often, this connection feels like a dialogue with a deeper part of oneself or even a higher power, lending a spiritual dimension to the work and contributing to the bliss experienced.
In this state, the expression of the craft is authentic and unforced, aligned perfectly with the artist's inner vision and feelings. This authenticity can lead to a profound sense of truth and integrity, as the artist feels they are truly expressing their innermost self. Discovering and manifesting one's true self through artistic expression can be a Source of great joy and fulfilment. Engaging deeply in a craft can also lead to what Jungian psychology might describe as the integration of the self. This involves reconciling different aspects of one's personality and experiences, leading to greater wholeness and psychological health. Feelings of completeness and contentment often accompany such integration.
There's a distinct euphoria that comes from mastering a skill and being able to perform it with such profound proficiency that it becomes second nature. This mastery, facilitated by mujen, can lead to a sense of peak experience, where one's abilities are fully utilised and appreciated, both by oneself and others.
Thus, when master artisans and artists achieve mujen, they are not only operating at their highest creative capacity but are also engaging in a deeply personal and often spiritual journey. The bliss and self-discovery they describe are the natural outcomes of this profound engagement with their art, reflecting both the external mastery of their craft and an internal journey towards self-realisation.
In the tradition of Geido, the love of Self, the craft, and the material, as well as a connection with a Higher Power, are deeply interwoven into the pursuit and attainment of mujen. Each element plays a crucial role in the journey towards mastery and the profound experiences associated with this state. Here’s how these aspects are interconnected:
Love of Self: In the context of Geido, the love of Self is not about egocentricity but about self-respect and a commitment to personal growth through the discipline of the chosen art. This self-love is fundamental as it drives the practitioner to persevere through challenges and the rigorous demands of mastering their craft. It also involves self-awareness and introspection; which are critical as they foster a deeper understanding of one’s motivations, weaknesses, and strengths. This form of love is essential for personal transformation; which is a key aspect of achieving mujen.
Love of one's Craft: This love is what initially draws the practitioner to their art and sustains their long-term engagement. It's an appreciation of the skills, traditions, and processes involved in their art form. The devotion to perfecting these skills over time is a manifestation of their love for the craft. In Geido, this dedication is felt as both a personal and a spiritual discipline, where refining one's art becomes a way of refining one’s character and spirit.
Love of the Material: In traditional Japanese arts, there is a profound respect and reverence for the materials used, whether it be ink, wood, fabric, clay, or the human body. This respect is rooted in the Shinto belief in animism, where all natural elements are believed to possess a spirit. Loving the material involves understanding its properties, potentialities, and limits. This deep connection and respect for the materials not only enhance the quality of the work but also align the artist more closely with the natural world, echoing a key principle of mujen, where the distinction between the artist and the material blurs.
Connection with The Higher-Power: The state of mujen is often associated with spiritual or transcendental experiences. In the practice of Geido, this connection with the Higher-Power can be viewed through the lens of Zen Buddhism, which significantly influences the whole philosophy. Realising mujen is akin to experiencing moments of enlightenment where the individual’s consciousness extends beyond the self to both draw upon and touch something universal - be it the intrinsic beauty of the Cosmos, the interconnectivity of all life, or channelling divine essence. This spiritual facet of mujen provides a profound sense of peace, purpose, and interconnectedness with Source.
Consequently, in Geido, the love of Self, one’s craft, and the material, along with the connection to one’s Higher-Power, are not separate elements, but intricately interwoven, a symbiotic enhancement. Together, elevating vocation from mere technical proficiency to a profoundly spiritual journey, making the attainment of mujen not just a personal achievement but a holistic and transcendent one, too. Geido has many treasured insights to share with the mysticism of mastery.
In drawing the compelling comparisons between Geido and my own potential maximising systems, here is a faithful mapping of The Purpose Pyramid’s Seven Pillars and Geidō:
1. The Hilt - Pillar of Initiation:
Purpose Pyramid Function: This is the gateway where agency is first enacted. It represents a person stepping forward to declare ownership over their functional interests and turning action (skill/verb) and attraction (interest/noun) into strength - a discernible, nameable attribute.
Geidō Parallel: Nyūmon (入門) – Entering the Path / First Dedication: In Geidō, one becomes a uchi-deshi (live-in student) or pledges to a lineage. The early phase involves no creative expression - only repeated action and service. The idea is not unlike your Hilt: it’s where verb meets noun, where we act on what draws us. Identity begins to take a sharpened shape.
2. The Forge - Pillar of Tempering:
Purpose Pyramid Function: Here, a person learns how their strengths behave under pressure, repetition, and conscious modulation. This is the crucible of capability. The Forge is where raw talent is refined into applied aptitude - the root of potential excellence.
Geidō Parallel: Kata (型) – Form and Practice Through Repetition: The Forge corresponds precisely to the kata stage of Geidō, where repetitive form trains the spirit and movement alike. Adverbial refinement - how one executes - is prized above all else. Aptitude in both systems is not innate, but earned through embodied repetition.
3. The Henge - Pillar of Accountability:
Purpose Pyramid Function: This pillar crystallises purpose into responsibility. The practitioner moves from self-focused mastery to externally situated imperatives - short, punchy, active declarations such as "Design Peace" or "Build Hope." It marks the moment one sees oneself as accountable to a specific sphere of need.
Geidō Parallel: Seki (責) – Responsibility / Obligation to the Artform and Society: The Henge is the moment in both systems where art ceases to be self-expression and becomes duty. In Geidō, this is when a student may inherit the iemoto (art lineage) or accept the mantle of representing their domain. Your formula delivers an imperative; Geidō demands the same - a two-word vow embodied in posture.
4. The Meld - Pillar of Connection:
Purpose Pyramid Function: Here, a deeper ethical engine is engaged. When your imperative aligns with your intrinsic values, you locate the Motivator - a sustaining noun (e.g. Justice, Clarity, Devotion) that fuels the entire arc of transcendence. This pillar ties vocational call to personal code.
Geidō Parallel: Gi (義) – Righteousness / Ethical Principle: Geidō is never merely about output. It is a moral undertaking. The Meld mirrors the moment in the Way where motive is purified. In Bushidō, this would be gi - principled intent. Without this ethical connection, the artist becomes a technician, not a practitioner.
5. The Bridge - Pillar of Awakening:
Purpose Pyramid Function: In the Bridge, we see vocational alignment begin to shape character. The synthesis of intrinsic drive and enduring personal disposition gives rise to a distinct Work Style - the way one goes about their craft. This is not just what we do, but how we are when doing it.
Geidō Parallel: Kokorogamae (心構え) – Mental Readiness / Dispositional Stance: This is where Geidō insists on kokoro (heart/mind) and gamae (stance). The practitioner’s internal world must match their form. In this respect, your Bridge is perfectly synonymous. What is awakened here is not ambition, but composure.
6. The Hearth - Pillar of Reverence:
Purpose Pyramid Function: The Hearth marks a profound spiritual settling, where the practitioner no longer acts for success, mastery, or affirmation, but in reverence for what they serve. The ‘faith’ here is not theological; it is existential. It is why we exist, distilled into a nameable devotion.
Geidō Parallel: Rei (礼) – Ritual Respect / Sacredness of the Path: Every act in Geidō is bookended by bowing. The Hearth aligns seamlessly with Rei. The practitioner becomes a custodian of the Way, not an owner of it. Your Hearth is the altar, the dojo, and the shrine of purpose - where work becomes worship and purpose your defining principle.
7. The Beacon - Pillar of Transcendence, Repletion & Destiny:
Purpose Pyramid Function: This is the culmination. The Beacon identifies the supreme reverence - the North Star that guides our contribution across all interfaces of life. It is the full radiance of a person lit from within by purpose, now lighting the path for others.
Geidō Parallel: Kōmyō (光明) – Radiant Clarity / Transcendence of the Self: In Geidō, the artist disappears - the Way shines through them. Your Beacon is not self-celebration, but self-extinguishment into something larger. This is repletion - where the practitioner becomes what they once reached for. They no longer pursue destiny; they are its emissary.
My Geido Hero & Work Aesthete on High – Ford Hallam:
While there is no direct mention of Hallam practising Geidō, his approach to metalwork reflects its hallowed presence and distilled essence.
Rigorous Apprenticeship: Hallam underwent extensive training in classical Japanese metalworking techniques, immersing himself in the traditions and methodologies passed down through generations.
Philosophical Engagement: His writings and teachings often delve into the philosophical / intellectual aspects of craftsmanship, highlighting the importance of mindfulness, discipline, and respect for tradition.
Artistic Integrity: Hallam's works are not mere reproductions but are imbued with a deep understanding of the cultural and historical contexts of Japanese metal art, demonstrating a commitment to authenticity and excellence.
These facets of his practice resonate with the principles of Geidō, suggesting that, even if not formally declared, his life's work aligns with this esteemed path.
Legacy: Ford Hallam passed away on August 10, 2024, leaving behind a legacy that bridges Eastern and Western artistic traditions. His dedication to the craft and its underlying philosophies continues to inspire artists and craftsmen worldwide.
If you're interested in exploring how Hallam's work exemplifies Geidō, his videos, writings, and restored pieces offer valuable insights into this profound man’s artistic journey to what I – personally - would describe as perfection.
Closing Reflection: From Dō to Destiny:
By honouring my original Talent Triangle formulas, we see that The Purpose Pyramid does not offer equivalence to Geidō - it reinvigorates it and contemporises it for modern times. Whereas Geidō uses performance, movement, and silent ritual to encode transcendence, my Seven Pillars of Transcendence offer a grammatical and conceptual map for the same ontological climb – from curiosity to vocation, from passion to principle, from interest to essence, from action to altar, from fabric to flow.
If Geidō is The Way, then The Purpose Pyramid is the Compass - a structure for those who seek not merely to discover meaningful work, but to become that meaning themselves.
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