Ma is the negative space between two structural objects, to which there is no word equivalent in the English language.

The concept of ma through Lao Tse’s poems:

“Thirty spokes meet in the hub,
but the empty space between them
is the essence of the wheel.

Pots are formed from clay,
but the empty space between it
is the essence of the pot.

Walls with windows and doors form the house,
but the empty space within it
is the essence of the house.”