The way of writing with a soft brush is like that of a powerful dragon flying.
Chinese calligraphy has been an important part of Taoist cultivation for thousands of years and also plays an important role in Chinese culture and arts.
There are several different styles of calligraphy that have been used by many masters and calligraphers throughout China’s rich and great history. There is one particular level of calligraphy that not many can achieve, The Tao of Calligraphy 书道.
The Tao of Calligraphy is the highest level that can be achieved in calligraphy and it is one of the most important aspects of daily practice for a Taoist in addition to Daoyin practice. Calligraphy is an important part of refining the Shen (神) which is part of the Taoist San Qian Gong Fa (三千功法即) which is a significant part of the of the training that develops inner alchemy taught at LaoZi Academy.
A simple outline of the three stage refining practice of Jing, Qi, Shen:
- Jing is refined to Qi
- Qi is refined to join with Shen
- Shen is refined to join with Tao
Chinese calligraphy is also an important part of Chinese culture, even for ordinary people in society. Calligraphy still plays an important role in everyday life in China, and is an irreplaceable and unique form of arts with a long history in China.
Why do people say calligraphy is one of the most important practices for a Taoist to refine Shen? Because cultivating the Tao requires an empty and peaceful mind. Similarly, calligraphy practice, even for people not practicing Taoist training also requires a peaceful mind and relaxed Shen.
The way of using the brush should be soft and flexible, following the smooth motion and movement of a flying Dragon. The Dragon in Chinese culture actually symbolises the Shen, as a dragon can fly in the clouds, swim in the water, and breath fire, a dragon has no limitations. The Dragon is symbolic of the Shen, which also has no limitations.
The Dragon is the transformed image of the Shen. To achieve the Tao of Calligraphy, the practitioner must use the brush in a way that is soft and powerful like the Dragon and in doing so, will automatically refine the Shen.
The practitioner is not only rewarded with great and pleasurable enjoyment of engaging in the arts but also receives the benefit refining and strengthening the Shen. This is the true meaning of ShuTao or The Tao of Calligraphy.
Related articles:
Tao and Calligraphy
Calligraphy Classes / Courses Sydney
Master Dongyang has set up a special Chinese calligraphy class in Sydney which can help those that practice Daoyin training progress further in their Taoist training by helping to further refine the Shen accumulated through the daily practice of Daoyin. Calligraphy class greatly benefits those who practice Taoism as it is a support channel for connecting with the Tao. It is also suitable for those who are interested in Chinese culture in general and want to learn Chinese calligraphy!
Customised Calligraphy Writing Service
We offer a number of calligraphy based services which include:
- Inscriptions
- Greeting Cards
- Chinese Business Names
- Spring Festival Couplets
- Custom Calligraphy Requests
Contact us to find out more or go to Taoist Culture Online for more Taoist Art works.
