Photography is a fascinating art form that allows us to capture the world around us in a single frame.
Whether it’s a stunning landscape, an intimate portrait, or a moment frozen in time, photography has the power to evoke emotions, tell stories, and inspire us in countless ways.
But what if there was a way to take the art of photography even further, to use it as a means of exploring the world around us with fresh eyes?
Enter Miksang photography, a unique approach to photography that focuses on the beauty and simplicity of everyday life.
What is Miksang Photography?
Miksang is a Tibetan word that means “good eye” or “fresh perception.”
In the context of photography, Miksang refers to a contemplative approach to seeing and photographing the world around us.
The goal of Miksang photography is to capture the beauty and simplicity of everyday life, to see the world around us with fresh eyes, and to express our unique perception of the world through our photographs.
Miksang photography was developed by John McQuade and Miriam Hall, two American artists who were inspired by the teachings of Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche,
a Tibetan Buddhist teacher who emphasized the importance of developing a clear and open awareness of the world around us.
They developed the Miksang approach to photography as a way of embodying these teachings and sharing them with others.
The Miksang Approach
The Miksang approach to photography is based on the idea that the world around us is already perfect, and that all we need to do is to see it clearly and capture it in our photographs.
In order to do this, we need to cultivate a particular state of mind, one that is free from preconceptions, judgments, and distractions.
The first step in the Miksang approach is to slow down and pay attention to our surroundings.
We need to take the time to really look at the world around us, to notice the colors, shapes, textures, and patterns that make up our environment.
This requires a certain level of mindfulness, a state of focused awareness that allows us to see things as they really are.
Once we have developed this level of awareness, we can begin to see the beauty and simplicity of everyday life.
We start to notice the small details that we might otherwise overlook, the way light falls on a surface, the way shadows interact with objects, and the way colors blend together.
By paying attention to these details, we can start to see the world in a new way, one that is full of wonder and beauty.
The final step in the Miksang approach is to capture our perception of the world in our photographs.
This requires a certain level of technical skill, but it also requires a willingness to let go of our preconceptions and to trust our intuition.
We need to be open to the moment and to take the photograph that feels right, even if it doesn’t fit into our usual idea of what a “good” photograph should be.
Benefits of Miksang Photography
Miksang photography has many benefits beyond just the creation of beautiful photographs.
By cultivating a mindful awareness of the world around us, we can develop a deeper sense of connection to our environment and to the people and objects that inhabit it.
We can also develop a greater sense of appreciation for the small details of life, the things that might otherwise go unnoticed.
In addition, Miksang photography can be a powerful tool for personal growth and self-discovery.
By exploring our unique perception of the world through our photographs, we can gain insights into our own thoughts, feelings, and beliefs.
We can also learn to let go of our preconceptions and to see the world in a more open and accepting way.
Getting Started with Miksang Photography
If you’re interested in trying out Miksang photography for yourself, there are a few things you can do to get started.
The first step is to develop a mindfulness practice, whether through meditation, yoga, or simply taking a few moments each day to focus on your breath and your surroundings.
Next, start to pay attention to the world around you, taking the time to really look at the colors, shapes, and textures that make up your environment.
You might want to start by focusing on a particular object or scene, such as a flower or a building, and really explore it from different angles and in different lighting conditions.
Finally, start taking photographs that capture your perception of the world around you.
Don’t worry too much about technical perfection or whether the photograph fits into a particular genre or style.
Instead, focus on capturing the beauty and simplicity of everyday life, and let your intuition guide you.
Miksang Photography – Summary
Miksang photography is a unique and powerful approach to photography that encourages us to see the world with fresh eyes and to capture our unique perception of the world in our photographs.
