User:John Boones/sandbox

The Shanti is an odd symbol that is rooted in many cultures. Its whole is a derivative of both the Japanese Enso and the blackbird. The name Shanti itself, is a word from the Sanskrit language that literally translates as “peace.” The symbol represents that freedom equals contentment, however freedom cannot be achieved without fully realizing one’s own potential. Therefore, it is believed that you can never experience complete inner peace until you reach your full potential in life.

Blackbird Derivation Blackbirds, as in T.S. Eliot's The Waste Land, are symbolic of many things, but the primary characteristic drawn from the creature is mystery, magic and namely pure potential.

Enso Derivation The Shanti utilizes the implication of the Enso that suggests creativity is best achieved in a state of mindlessness, when an individual is one-hundred percent present in the moment.

Other Names The Shanti is also called the Safi, short for Safi Uwezo; translated as “Pure Potential” in Swahili.