Tag: zen_buddhism

One encounter that resonated deeply with me during this trip was a lesson in the Japanese art of calligraphy, known as “shodo.” This practice is truly memorizing as it is more than just writing; it is an expression of artistry, philosophy, and spirituality that has evolved over centuries.

Japanese calligraphy is rooted in the Chinese characters (kanji) and Japanese syllabaries (kana). Its roots are influenced from the 7th century cultural exchanges with China.

Shodo emphasizes the beauty of brush strokes, the flow of ink, and the harmony between the artist and the paper. Each character conveys emotion through a meditative experience, promoting mindfulness and focus. And that’s exactly the way I felt as I was trying my hand at Shodo.

First, we had to prepare for the lesson.The tools included:

• Brushes (fude): I found that I do so much better using a smaller brush.
• Ink (sumi): Ink is created by grinding an ink stick on an ink stone with a small amount of water. This process itself is an art form, as the quality of the ink affects the final piece. FYI-we tried our hand at creating the ink, but then we used prepared ink. 
• Paper (washi): Japanese washi paper is prized for its texture and durability and allow ink to flow gracefully to enhance the visual quality of the calligraphy.
• Seal (hanko): Calligraphers use a personal seal to stamp their work, adding a final touch to the art work. My sister and I each had our own seal! (and I brought it home so I can continue to stamp my calligraphy).

We are so lucky that one of our Japanese friends is a shodo sensei (teacher). According to our friend, kanji characters are designed to be written with the right hand. I gave it my all as a left-hander, but it wasn’t easy.

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, Japanese calligraphy has a deep cultural significance. It accompanies poetry, spiritual writings, and meaningful life events. In addition, it is a common practice during New Year celebrations when people write phrases to invite good luck and prosperity for the coming year.

Shodo also plays an important role in Zen Buddhism, where it’s seen as a form of meditation. The act of writing is intended to manifest the essence of one’s thoughts and beliefs, making it both a reflective and creative practice. And, I truly felt that way while I was practicing.

The most meaningful souvenir I brought home is my calligraphy artwork—words like peace, love, and beauty—memorialized on paper…an opportunity to learn from a Japanese calligrapher. Kuniko gave me so much more than a souvenir; it was a gift…a rare chance to slow down, practice mindfulness, and be inspired by beautiful art.