Tendai Calligraphy
Recently I attended a Tendai Symposium in San Francisco where one of the top Japanese calligraphic artists gave a demonstration - his name is Houkai Shibayama (Senkei) and he is considered to be a “living legend” in Japan. It was amazing to see this gentle man creating such powerful work with his brushstrokes.
The style of calligraphy is called Shousho, a writing style with few characters, in which you can find its symbolic nature.
Written in a booklet Houkai Shibayama handed out during the symposium he explains his work like this:
“If you want to write the word “ocean”, for example, you need to consider what you see in the “ocean”, what you hear in the “ocean”, how it affects your personal life, and how Japanese classics and nature of calligraphy are applied. Additionally, you need to not only look at the general image of the vast and turbulent ocean, but also into your inner self for a personal impression. By taking all these factors into consideration, you can create a symbolic or compact expression with each dot or line and produce Shousho style calligraphy.”
In essence he is talking about becoming One with the “ocean” and seeing all its layers and then expressing this on the rice-paper. Not only does he become One with the ocean but also One with the paper, the brush, the ink and ultimately the universe. When observing Houkai Shibayama creating you can feel this inner depth working away within him; it almost feels like you become part of the artwork as well. No separation.
Some videos of Houkai Shibayama
Website:
http://www.houkai.info/en/
At the same symposium some other calligraphy works from a Tendai priest were displayed. See the pictures below.
What is interesting to see is that the characters of ‘Light’ are often used. This is the the same Light as is indicated by the Shinpiden Reiki III symbols and mantra which translate as “Great Bright Light”. This “Great Bright Light” shows us our own inner truth which is infused with wisdom and compassion.
Below are the translations of the calligraphic works:
The light which Buddhas and Bodhisattvas emit cuts through darkness and shows us the truth
Venerable Senkei Shibayama
Brighten [your] corner [of the world]
Venerable Gyokan Hayashida
Take the negative upon oneself and give to others the positive. Forget self-interest and do things for others.
To work for the benefit of all is the ultimate in compassion.
(this saying is from the writings of Tendai founder Dengyo Daishi Saicho)
Venerable Kosen Kobori
