綾 — Look at the Whole Picture

綾 (aya) is a Japanese word originally associated with beautiful patterns created by weaving.

 

One traditional Japanese design is called 紗綾形 (sayagata). It has been used for centuries on kimono, obi, fabrics, and decorations. Seen as a whole, it is an elegant geometric pattern created by repeating interconnected lines.

 

But look closely at just one small part of the pattern, and you will see:

 

卍

 

To many people in the West today, this shape may immediately bring to mind Nazi Germany. But the Japanese pattern is far older and has absolutely no connection to Nazism. The manji has existed in Asian cultures for centuries and is closely associated with Buddhism in Japan.

 

This is an interesting lesson about perspective.

 

When we isolate one small part, we may give it a completely different meaning from what the whole represents.

 

The same is true of words, people, and business.

 

A single sentence taken out of context can sound very different. One mistake does not necessarily define a person. One bad result does not tell the whole story.

 

Before judging a small piece, step back and look at the entire pattern.

 

Sometimes wisdom is simply knowing when to look closer—and when to step back.