Zen and the Art of Calligraphy

Zen and the Art of Calligraphy PDF Author:
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 9780710092847
Category : Calligraphy, Japanese
Languages : en
Pages : 115

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Zen and the Art of Calligraphy

Zen and the Art of Calligraphy PDF Author:
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 9780710092847
Category : Calligraphy, Japanese
Languages : en
Pages : 115

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Book Description


Shodo

Shodo PDF Author: Shozo Sato
Publisher: Tuttle Publishing
ISBN: 1462911889
Category : Art
Languages : en
Pages : 176

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Book Description
In this beautiful and extraordinary zen calligraphy book, Shozo Sato, an internationally recognized master of traditional Zen arts, teaches the art of Japanese calligraphy through the power and wisdom of Zen poetry. Single-line Zen Buddhist koan aphorisms, or zengo, are one of the most common subjects for the traditional Japanese brush calligraphy known as shodo. Regarded as one of the key disciplines in fostering the focused, meditative state of mind so essential to Zen, shodo calligraphy is practiced regularly by all students of Zen Buddhism in Japan. After providing a brief history of Japanese calligraphy and its close relationship with the teachings of Zen Buddhism, Sato explains the basic supplies and fundamental brushstroke skills that you'll need. He goes on to present thirty zengo, each featuring: An example by a skilled Zen monk or master calligrapher An explanation of the individual characters and the Zen koan as a whole Step-by-step instructions on how to paint the phrase in a number of styles (Kaisho, Gyosho, Sosho) A stunning volume on the intersection of Japanese aesthetics and Zen Buddhist thought, Shodo: The Quiet Art of Japanese Zen Calligraphy guides beginning and advanced students alike to a deeper understanding of the unique brush painting art form of shodo calligraphy. Shodo calligraphy topics include: The Art of Kanji The Four Treasures of Shodo Ideogram Zengo Students of Shodo

The Art of Twentieth-century Zen

The Art of Twentieth-century Zen PDF Author: Audrey Yoshiko Seo
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781570624957
Category : Art, Japanese
Languages : en
Pages : 0

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Book Description
This book is devoted to Zen art as a living tradition. It explores the heart of Zen experience through contemporary Zen art, demonstrating how this time-honored visual form continues to flourish today.

The Zen Art Book

The Zen Art Book PDF Author: Stephen Addiss
Publisher: Shambhala Publications
ISBN: 159030747X
Category : Art
Languages : en
Pages : 111

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Book Description
"When a Zen master puts brush to paper, the resulting image is an expression of the quality of his or her mind. It is thus a teaching, intended to compassionately stop us in our tracks and to compel us to consider ultimate truth. Here, forty masterpieces of painting and calligraphy by renowned masters such as Hakuin Ekaku (1685–1768) and Gibon Sengai (1750–1837) are reproduced along with commentary that illuminates both the art and its teaching. The authors’ essays provide an excellent introduction to both the aesthetic and didactic aspects of this art that can be profound, perplexing, serious, humorous, and breathtakingly beautiful—often all within the same simple piece."--Publisher description.

Zen Brushwork

Zen Brushwork PDF Author: Tanchu Terayama
Publisher: National Geographic Books
ISBN: 1568365780
Category : Art
Languages : en
Pages : 0

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Book Description
With its bold strokes and mystic aura, Zen calligraphy has fascinated Westerners for decades, yet it remains an abstract, rarely practiced form of expression outside of Asia. Now, master calligrapher Tanchu Terayama explains the techniques behind this subtle art and offers step-by-step instructions for practicing it on a professional level. After introducing the basics, Terayama presents a unique meditative warm-up to establish the proper mental attitude needed to release one's creative energies. Next, the power of the brushed line is explained and demonstrated. What makes a good line or a bad one, an expressive effort or an unfocused one? Lessons on brushing symbolic Japanese characters follow, including those for "emptiness," "nothingness," and "flower." The painting section shows readers how to draw the spare yet elegant pictorial themes of this classic art: bamboo, plum blossoms, Mount Fuji, and the inspirational Zen priest Daruma. If the exercises are the heart of the book, the Appreciation section is the soul. This chapter introduces classic works from renowned priests and other historical figures, including Miyamoto Musashi (the celebrated swordsman and author of The Book of Five Rings), Morihei Ueshiba (the founder of aikido), Jigoro Kano (the father of judo), and Zen priest Hakuin. Each masterpiece is accompanied by penetrating commentary on the strengths and salient features of the work. Rarely has Zen calligraphy been demonstrated and discussed with such candor and insight. Illuminating yet another side of Zen, Zen Brushwork will be an invaluable source to those interested in meditation, Zen, Buddhism, the martial arts, and Oriental traditions in general. CONTENTS Introduction Part I Background What is Zen Calligraphy? The Evolution of Kanji The Fundamentals of Calligraphy The Four Treasures of Calligraphy Hitsuzendo Part II Preparation-Warming Up and Developing Ki The Zen Line Yoki-ho: A Method of Developing Ki and Warming-Up warm-up exercise 1: Yoki-ho: The Long Version warm-up exercise 2: The Short Form of Yoki-ho: A Five-Minute Exercise warm-up exercise 3: Kusho: Writing in the Air Part III Zen Calligraphy and Painting Basic Practice The Zen Line and Its Applications exercise 1: Mujibo (The Zen Line) exercise 2: Enso (The Zen Circle) exercise 3: Horizontal and Vertical Lines exercise 4: Fine Lines Tensho (Seal Script) exercise 5: So (Grass) and a Practice Line Kaisho (Standard Script) exercise 6: Sho (Calligraphy) and Practice Lines Further Practice Sosho (Grass Script) exercise 7: Mu (Nothing) exercise 8: Hana (Flower) exercise 9: Ku (Emptiness) exercise 10: Mu Ichi Motsu (Owning No-thing) exercise 11: Ichigyo Zanmai (Be in the Moment) Writing Western Script exercise 12: Writing Western Script: ABC exercise 13: Shodo (Calligraphy) Painting exercise 14: Orchid exercise 15: Bamboo exercise 16: Plum Blossoms (with inscription) exercise 17: Mount Fuji exercise 18: Daruma exercise 19: Wall-Gazing Daruma exercise 20: "One-Stroke" Daruma exercise 21: Ji-Wa-Choku (Compassion, Harmony, Honesty) Part IV Appreciation Works by Old Masters Works by Terayama Tanchu Glossary What is Zen Calligraphy? Calligraphy (sho) is a formative art based on writing. It includes not only writing that is beautiful, but phrases that are novel and interesting. According to the Japanese philosopher Nishida Kitaro (1870-1945; see figure 1), true creativity is not the product of a conscious effort but rather the "phenomenon of life itself." True creation must arise from mu-shin, or the state of "no-mind," a state beyond thought, emotions, and expectations. Work that is produced through conscious effort is ultimately devoid of life. Zen calligraphy in particular must spring from shonen sozoku, a Buddhist term equivalent to "true thought." Shonen is a state of full concentration that is devoid of thoughts and ideas, while sozoku here means "free-flowing continuity." Greatness in brushwork cannot be achieved through conscious effort; it is only achieved through the states of mu-shin and shonen sozuku, or "no-mind" and a continuous state free of the thoughts and ideas that distract the mind. Zen calligraphy differs from other calligraphic disciplines as it is focused on the realization of "no-mind." Furthermore, in contrast tosho, which uses Chinese characters as a basis, it is the expression of Zen through a brush, whether the result is a single stroke, a Zen circle, or an ink painting. While sho is restricted to brushed writing, Zen calligraphy extends to other forms of brushwork. Nearly all calligraphy today is born of conscious attention to an aesthetic concept, but we rarely find lines that are truly alive. In contrast, the calligraphy of Zen masters such as Daito Kokushi (1282-1337; founder of Daitokuji temple in Kyoto) or Ikkyu Sojun (1394-1481) resonates with the energy of "no-mind" achieved through complete concentration. In these works, the lines are filled with vitality and the shapes are fresh and original. Sen no Rikyu (1522-91), who established many of the basic precepts of the tea ceremony, held that nothing surpassed Zen calligraphy as a subject for display in the alcove of the tea room. He undoubtedly felt that only art works that reflect the eternal vitality of Zen writings could encourage the mind toward enlightenment. Rikyu recognized that calligraphy necessarily demands the highest level of spirituality. A line that manifests clarity cannot be drawn if the heart is clouded by worldly concerns; a stroke cannot be brushed with resolution if the heart is agitated; and calligraphy that reveals depth cannot be produced if cultivation and experience are shallow. To write kanji characters that resonate and demonstrate their deeper meaning, one's own mind must achieve unity with the meaning of the words-a requirement that calls for a higher level of spirituality. The calligrapher, therefore, must strive for the state of "no-mind" through meditation and contemplation.

The Art of Zen

The Art of Zen PDF Author: Stephen Addiss
Publisher: Echo Point Books & Media
ISBN: 9781635610741
Category : Art
Languages : en
Pages : 226

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Book Description
Professor Stephen Addiss explores visual expressions of Zen enlightenment, or Zenga, as created by Japanese monk-artists from 1600 to 1925. Illustrated with over 100 calligraphies and paintings, along with accompanying informative text, Dr. Addiss allows for a deep appreciation of this meditative, spiritual, and inspirational art form.

Zen No Sho

Zen No Sho PDF Author: Jason M. Wirth
Publisher: Clear Light Publishing
ISBN:
Category : Art
Languages : en
Pages : 146

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Book Description
Fukushima Roshi is head abbot of Tofuku-ji Monastery, one of the great five mountain monasteries (gozan) of Kyoto, Japan, and one of the great centres of the Rinzai Zen tradition. Fukushima's calligraphy is not merely didactic, a gilded vessel to make Zen doctrines more palatable. They are technically masterful, reflecting Fukushima's training in the calligraphic arts from an early age as well as his apprenticeship with Okada Roshi and his kaisho or "block" script, and Shibayama Roshi and his exquisite gyosho script. But like the beneficent force of Shibayama's calligraphy, from which he learned much, Fukushima's calligraphy is a quiet storm, a serene volcano, a compassionate and gentle eruption of the vast energy or ki of the Zen mind. The gentle forms of Fukushima's calligraphy are rife with the erupting force of mushin. This book reproduces twenty pieces of Fukushima's calligraphy, as well as a rare piece done by both Shibayama Roshi and Suzuki Sensei. Set against Fukushima's calligraphy, one can see in it all three generations of bridge builders of one of the most important lineages of dharma transmission from Japan to the United States. To complete things is a magnificent portrait of Bodhidharma (Japanese: Daruma), attributed to the incomparable Zen ink painter Sesshu Toyo (1420-1506). This volume also contains essays on Fukushima in particular and Zen calligraphy in general by some of the leading scholars in the field.

Moon by the Window

Moon by the Window PDF Author: Shodo Harada
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
ISBN: 0861716485
Category : Art
Languages : en
Pages : 260

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Book Description
Shodo Harada is internationally recognized both as a Zen teacher and as a world-class master of the fine art of Zen calligraphy. Harada regularly exhibits and gives calligraphy demonstrations in museums and universities in the U.S. and abroad. Accomplished Zen teachers from across the globe come to further plumb the depths of Zen through studying with him, earning him a reputation as "the roshi's roshi" - which is to say, the master's master. Moon by the Window is a beautiful collection of 108 pieces of Shodo Harada's calligraphic Zen masterpieces - assembled over decades, and drawn from the rich and poetic literature of the Zen tradition. Each work of art is accompanied by Harada Roshi's sharp and glittering commentaries, making each page a spiritually edifying and aesthetically uplifting treasure.

Zen and the Art of Calligraphy

Zen and the Art of Calligraphy PDF Author: Omori Sogen
Publisher: Arkana
ISBN: 9780140191448
Category : Philosophy
Languages : en
Pages : 128

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Book Description
ART & ARCHITECTURE

The Way Out Is In

The Way Out Is In PDF Author: Thich Nhat Hanh
Publisher: Thames & Hudson
ISBN: 0500773165
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 98

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Book Description
Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh is a prolific author, poet, teacher, scholar and peace activist. Yet he is also a master calligrapher, distilling ancient Buddhist teachings into simple phrases that resonate with our modern times, capturing and expressing his lifetime of meditative insight, peace and compassion. This book offers a rare opportunity to spend time in the presence of his beautiful creations. For Thich Nhat Hanh, creating calligraphy is more than creating art - it is also a meditative practice. He is fully present for every moment, from drinking his tea, to sitting down and taking a brush, and using the tea to make the ink. Each calligraphy is made of mindful sitting, breathing, walking, smiling - and love.