SAORI is a combination of 2 words in Zen vocabulary – SAI meaning “everything has its own individuality” and ORI meaning “weaving.”
SAORI was founded in 1969 by Misao Jo, after she misthread the obi she was weaving. When she was told it was “wrong” she found beauty in what other called an error. She created SAORI with the idea that we are all born with our own unique individualities and the ability to create.
SAORI weavers not only use the practice of “free weaving” to create a state of mindful intention, awaken creative potential and connect with the authentic self, but also to connect deeply with the community.
In SAORI weaving, the weaver embodies 4 ideals: