The character for ‘ma‘ is written with the Chinese character for door and the character for sun, giving the impression of sunlight filtering through a doorway.

The concept of ma is integral to the Japanese culture and aesthetics, appearing in many different domains – from art to architecture, gardening to interior design, and from conversation to theatre, and music.

Let me share an anecdote with you that might help to illustrate one aspect of ma – specifically about discourse.

One afternoon in Nara, I was sitting under a shady tree in the garden of the hotel where I was staying. The weather was lovely, so I was outside drawing. Nearby, at another table sat four people. I assumed they were two couples.

At first, their conversation washed over me — a low hum. No one was upset. No raised voices . Just talk.

One of the women was speaking. She spoke at length. During this time, the others said not a word. When she finally stopped, the others remained silent and for quite some time.

Why were they so quiet? I glanced over to see what was happening. Were they upset at what she’d said? Packing up to leave?

No.

Then, another woman started to speak. Same thing.
She too talked for a while. The others nodded, focusing on her but were totally silent. After she stopped, the group again sat quiescent for what seemed to me like ages.

It happened once more when one of the men began to speak. Quiet from the others.
Nodding.
Listening. But saying nothing.

Ma 間 is defined as the space between things — a pause.

It’s the art of understanding the space in between. And also understanding that that interval — that space — gives not only respect but meaning to things.

I was amazed witnessing these four people communicate. It was so far removed from how conversations happen here in North America (and in the Caribbean where I’m from). I thought about how culturally, in the west, we rush to get our thoughts out. Finish sentences for others. Interrupt.

I can often tell from the look in someone’s eyes when they’re not really listening to me but planning what to say next.

Imagine what it would be like if we were to apply ma when we converse, to give space to someone to get their thoughts out and time for them to choose the right words. What would it be like to have what was just said to sit in our minds for a few minutes before offering our own observations, opinions and thoughts?

Imagine how it would be if we applied ma during an argument with someone. Giving ourselves that space so we don’t unwittingly hurt the other person, but also digesting what is being said to us. To really hear what the other person is saying.

On the whole, on this side of the world, we’re uncomfortable with silence. It feels awkward and itchy. Too often, we speak to cover up those silences, to blanket it like it’s a shameful thing. Maybe we’re terrified to sit quietly because our thoughts will overwhelm us.

Ma in discourse gives a reprieve to both speaker and listener. It allows for ideas to connect, ambiguities to resolve themselves, and for thoughts to untangle. All this inevitably leads to better understanding and deeper connections with others.

In essence, it permits sunlight to seep in through an open doorway in our minds.

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