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The practice of Regular Script (Kaishu) can often be seen as a form of mindfulness meditation. The concentration, patience, and focus required for calligraphy share many commonalities with Zen practices. This connection between Kaishu and mindfulness offers a deeper understanding of both the art form and the meditative practice. The act of writing a single Kaishu character requires complete presence in the moment. Calligraphers must concentrate intensely on the brush, the ink, and the paper, forgetting everything else as they work on a particular stroke. This type of complete presence is very similar to the practice of mindfulness, which also emphasizes awareness of the present moment. The repetition of fundamental strokes and character forms in Kaishu can be likened to the repetition of meditation mantras. The practice of both art forms involves a calming repetition that focuses the mind. The slow, deliberate movements in calligraphy can also have a calming effect on the mind and body. The pursuit of perfection in Kaishu is not about reaching a destination but about the journey itself. There is a sense that there is always another level of perfection to reach. This echoes the Zen ideal of continuous self-improvement. The process of continual improvement becomes the primary focus. The practice of Kaishu can also provide an opportunity for self-discovery and introspection. The act of creating something beautiful and meaningful can be a very fulfilling and meditative practice. Both practice and meditation aim for self-improvement through a process of reflection. |
Tag : kaishu and zen, mindfulness calligraphy, meditative art, zen practice, calligraphy and mindfulness
This article examines the use of space (bai) in pre-Tang Kaishu composition, detailing how calligraphers used spacing within and around characters to create balance, harmony, and visual appeal, emphasizing its importance in the overall aesthetic.
This article explores the early development of Kaishu calligraphy before the Tang Dynasty, highlighting its roots in Li Shu, and the transitional stages through the Wei, Jin, and Southern and Northern Dynasties, emphasizing the evolutionary process toward the standardized Tang Kaishu.
This article focuses on Yan Zhenqing, emphasizing his boldness and expressiveness in Tang Kaishu, his powerful brushstrokes, his moral purpose, his famous “Yan Family Ancestral Temple Stele,” and his emotional impact on calligraphy.
This article introduces the Tang Dynasty as the golden age of Kaishu calligraphy, highlighting its political and cultural context, its key figures (Ouyang Xun, Yan Zhenqing, and Liu Gongquan), and the defining characteristics of Tang Kaishu's balance, precision, and enduring influence.
This article details the significant influence of Li Shu (Clerical Script) on the development of early Kaishu, explaining how its standardized strokes, balance, and techniques provided the essential foundation for Regular Script's emergence.