At the beginning of August we had lively shodō calligraphy groups where we brushed Seiki 正氣 (True energy, or true character) from the inspirational poem 正氣歌 Seiki no uta (The Song of True Energy, or Song of Integrity).
We looked at the visual background of the kanji characters first, such as the image of energy or steam being created through cooking rice, and observed the very different versions of this month’s kanji in the key styles. We also briefly talked about some Japanese phrases using the second character ki (the simplified version 気）.
Whilst most participants felt the first character 正 sei (true, correct) was relatively straightforward to brush in both kaisho and cursive styles, most found 氣 ki (energy) more complex to get the balance, but everyone enjoyed the flowing cursive styles of both kanji, and brushing them together with their name written in Japanese, guided by Blair. We were encouraged to notice the sensory and energetic aspect of shodō as we brushed, engaging with the meaning of Seiki 正氣.
A short excerpt from the poem:
天地有正氣，雜然賦流形。
Heaven and earth have a spirit of integrity, with many forms it flows into all things.
下則為河岳，上則為日星。
Down below it is rivers and high peaks, up above it is sun and stars.
於人曰浩然，沛乎塞蒼冥。
In people it is considered a nobility of spirit, vast and filling the universe.
After the classes Blair shared a short video of the two styles of brushwork of Seiki 正氣. Many thanks for taking part and we look forward to brushing with you soon.
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