Often used to describe incredibly moving works of art, Yūgen, has its roots in traditional Japanese aesthetics. The word has often been translated as “an emotional response that is so deep it cannot be expressed in mere words” and has also been synonymous with a sense of elegance, grace, composure and serenity.
It is said to be something we feel within ourselves and the depth of the world we live in. It is an awareness of the beauty around us that evokes emotions too powerful and mysterious for language. It is unawareness of the beauty around us that evokes emotions too powerful and mysterious for language.