At both our online and in person Shodō groups, which have been buzzing in recent months, we brushed the two kanji characters of the word Shunjū 春秋 . Shunjū means Spring and Autumn, or the seasons more generally, or the length of time passing.
There is also a deeper zen meaning related to hot and cold and dropping off attachments, which Blair described at the beginning of the group. We looked at the natural background of images in both spring and autumn, such as plants and sunshine, as well as grain and insects and fire, found in the ancient shell and bone style ✨
After becoming familiar with the materials and how to hold the fude brush we had time for stroke practice and then getting a feel for brushing with sumi ink, fude and hanshi paper in harmony.
We brushed the two kanji together, in two styles (kaisho, sōsho), and there was some time to look at the gyōsho semi cursive. Many thanks for joining!
Below is a sensory waka poem by Dōgen Zenji (translation by Blair) that has a free and timeless seasonal feel:
spring vitality –
Dōgen Zenji
though buffeted by mountain winds,
blossoming
the scent of flowers swirl
around the peaks and through the valleys
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