Brushing oneness at Zen Shodo Calligraphy

• Drawing and Painting Studio


• 19 Mar 2023

Last month at Zen Brush Shodo calligraphy we  brushed the four kanji characters of the inspiring zen phrase Shin Jin Ichi Nyo 身心一如 which can be translated as body and mind/spirit, oneness (from Zen master Dōgen’s Bendowa writing). This is about how our heart/mind/spirit and body are never separated but whole in one seamless reality.   

Guided by demonstrations by Blair, who also explained all the materials used (as well as alternatives), we brushed the characters in two styles (kaisho, sōsho), also discovering the older roots and meanings of the kanji characters. After the strokes practice we had lots of fun enjoying the freedom and flow of the cursive style ✨

Thanks to those who took part as well as sent images for this post. Here is the quote Blair read by Master Dogen –

Raindrop sound
Because the heart-mind is free –
Listening to the rain
Dripping from the eaves,
The drops become one with me

Dogen

Thanks to everyone for taking part and those who shared work 😀