The word Shodō is translated as "The Way of Writing." The first Kanji, SHO (書)means to write, and the second one DŌ (道), means the way or path. Like many Japanese arts (such as Kado - flower arrangement, Chado - tea ceremony, and many martial arts like Karate-do, Aikido, and Judo), using the kanji DŌ gives it a deeper meaning. It is not just an activity; it becomes a way of … [Read more...] about What is Shodō?
Articles
February 2020 Challenge
2020 年 二月 孫過庭書譜 – Sun Guoting’s A Narrative on Calligraphy 丸庭音須先生の書 Write this calligraphy challenge and post it on Instagram using the hashtag #gohitsushodo … [Read more...] about February 2020 Challenge
January 2020 Challenge
2020 年 一 月 孫過庭書譜 - Sun Guoting's A Narrative on Calligraphy 丸庭音須先生の書 Write this calligraphy challenge and post it on Instagram using the hashtag #gohitsushodo … [Read more...] about January 2020 Challenge
Mindfulness: What it means from a Buddhist Perspective
Many people begin Shodo practice because of its mindfulness qualities. The activity of drawing a stroke and composing a Kanji character unifies the mind and body and can bring clarity and relaxation to everyday tasks. We live stressful lives. We have work, family, businesses, relationships, and a gazillion other things in our minds. Because we are always under pressure, we … [Read more...] about Mindfulness: What it means from a Buddhist Perspective
How to write your name in Kanji
I first became interested in learning how to write names in Japanese Kanji in 2001 when I got my black belt in Aikido. When we become black belts, Aikido students get to wear a hakama (samurai style traditional pleated pants). Toyoda Shihan often translated his students' names and have their hakama embroidered with their name in Kanji. He would often select Kanji combinations … [Read more...] about How to write your name in Kanji