Buddha Board
Buddha Board

This year, Buddha Board, founded in 2000 by Vancouver entrepreneur Eric Thrall, celebrates its 25th anniversary, a milestone that reflects both innovation and impact in the wellness and art space. What began as a simple inspiration on the streets of Japan has grown into a global mindfulness tool that has touched millions.

Thrall's journey started during his travels through Japan, where he observed calligraphers practicing kanji on special surfaces with water, using the art of sumi-e. Their brushstrokes appeared bold and fluid, only to slowly vanish as the water evaporated. For Thrall, there was beauty in that impermanence, the fleeting art carried not just aesthetic charm, but also a profound sense of mindfulness.

Thrall was struck by the simplicity and the peace these artists found in the act. The practice wasn't just about the symbols; it was about letting go, about being in the moment. I knew there was potential to reimagine that into something modern, accessible, and meaningful. When Thrall returned, his mother, a part-time artist, introduced him to the 'technology' behind Buddha Board.

From those roots, Buddha Board was born, a minimalist tool for creativity, meditation, and emotional release, inviting users to paint with water and watch their creations disappear. In doing so, the board embodies a key Zen philosophy: living fully in the present moment.

Over the years, Buddha Board has gone through numerous design evolutions, from locally made versions with simple materials to more advanced, long-lasting designs that can withstand daily use. Yet two elements have remained constant: its clean, minimalist design and its focus on impact.

Unlike traditional art products, the Buddha Board is not about permanence or display. It's about the act itself: the brushstroke, the flow of water, and the quieting of the mind. Its quiet luxury, minimalist, logo-free aesthetic reflects Thrall's belief that the board should be a blank canvas, not a branded object. It's not about the product. It's about what it allows you to experience: calm, focus, creativity, and release.

As demand for mindfulness tools grew worldwide, Buddha Board responded with new iterations, including the Mini Buddha Board, a colorful, travel-friendly version beloved by children and families. But the company's most recent innovation, Enso board, takes the original concept even further.

Named after the Japanese word for 'circle,' Enso represents infinity, flow, and the beauty of imperfection. This travel-friendly tablet-sized board, with a refillable water brush, allows mindfulness and creative expression on the go, whether on a plane, train, or beach. It's a continuation of Buddha Board's mission: to give people a tool for calm and focus, no matter where they are. In a world full of screens, Enso encourages presence.

Engaging with a Buddha Board encourages concentration on each brushstroke, with time, promoting a meditative state similar to traditional practices like yoga or deep breathing. By letting the image fade, users practice emotional resilience and the art of learning to let go of attachments.

As it marks its 25th anniversary, Buddha Board sees the milestone not as a conclusion, but as part of a larger journey as it remains committed to its original purpose: providing a simple, sustainable, and powerful way to cultivate mindfulness and, in a way, to have fun with it. Environmentally friendly, it requires only water, no inks, paints, or chemicals, and with proper care, it lasts for years.