The Zen Of Starbucks

Zen

The word Zen comes from the Japanese pronunciation of the Chinese word 禪, which comes from the Sanskrit word ध्यान. These translate as “meditative state” or “concentration”, from the ultimate knowlege of truth discovered by Buddha. This truth remains so profound that words cannot express its meaning. Instead, understanding truth comes through meditation under the guidance of a Zen master. Once understood, this truth frees the mind from ignorance and suffering.

Roughly, if not crudely, Zen gets used worldwide to represent anything calm or peaceful. In this post, I shall use Zen as the Japanese presented it to me. They described a Kyoto Starbucks as the most Zen Starbucks in the world.

The Most Zen Starbucks In The World

Look down this narrow Japanese street. Do you see the brilliant green markings of a Starbucks? Don’t you see it?

How about now?

Now?

Okay, now a bit closer.

Here’s the outside of the Starbucks. Hard to tell it even exists.

Even inside, it looks nothing like a typical Starbucks.

Another Cool Starbucks

While not as chill or hidden as the previously-mentioned coffee house, this Starbucks comes in a close second for coolness, with unfinished ceilings and black accent colorings.

Lost In Translation

One of these Starbucks is not like the others. Heck, one of these ain’t even a Starbucks. I give you Snabucks.