Synopsis
Throughout the East, writing is held to be a gift from the gods, and the divinely inspired letters and characters are objects of the highest veneration. The religious significance of calligraphy has thus led to a unique development of the art of brush and ink in Japan, China, India, and Tibet. This beautifully illustrated book covers such topics as the history and spirit of Eastern calligraphy, the art of copying religious texts, the biographies of important Zen calligraphers, and practical instructions on materials and techniques for the contemporary student. No knowledge of the languages discussed is required for the reader to appreciate the study of this ancient practice.
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About the Author
John Stevens is Professor of Buddhist Studies and Aikido instructor at Tohoku Fukushi University in Sendai, Japan. He is the author or translator of over twenty books on Buddhism, Zen, Aikido, and Asian culture. He has practiced and taught Aikido all over the world.
Review
"This is a book which one must read brush in hand, for—as in all religions—it is only through participation that the divine becomes apparent. This excellent book is therefore, in this double sense, an experience. It explicates the Word—and returns it to its original personal and sacred nature." — The Japan Times
"A stimulating and attractive work bound to encourage the non-specialist interested in widening an appreciation and possibly an actual practice of sacred calligraphy."— Choice
"A sumptuous collection of 'divinely inspired' letters and characters." —Parabola
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Sacred Calligraohy of the East
Published by
Shambhala, Boulder & London, 1981
ISBN 10: 0877731985
ISBN 13: 9780877731986
Used
Soft cover
First Edition
Seller: Blue Heron Books, Claremont, CA, U.S.A.
Seller rating 3 out of 5 stars
Soft cover. Condition: VG+. No Jacket. First edition. Clean unworn copy. Seller Inventory # 006553
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Sacred Calligraphy of the East
Published by
Shamballa, Boulder, 1981
ISBN 10: 0877731985
ISBN 13: 9780877731986
Used
Soft cover
First Edition
Seller: Wagon Tongue Books, Linden, AB, Canada
Seller rating 4 out of 5 stars
Soft cover. Condition: Very Good +. B/W Photographs (illustrator). First Edition. In the preface to this 206 page - INDEX at back - volume, the author reminds us that writing, in much of the Orient, was considered a gift from the gods. We are also reminded that proper attitude (for a calligrapher) was more important than artistic ability. ( A general principle of Buddhism.) LEARN more about : Heart Sutra, single-mindedness, Vittagamini. semi-cursive, seed syllable mandala, oracular inscriptions, calligrapher-monks, compassion, Shang-Shung Ponpo, and Shinto naturalism. The volume is very well illustrated - including the proper stroke order of Ume seen on page 84 - partly with b/w photographs, and partly with b/w instructive drawings. Cond : Paper wrapper is rice-paper brown with reddy brown lettering. The symbol on the cover is Sho - the Chinese symbol for writing. Clean. Sound in binding. Light general wear. No internal marks, but minor note by p/o verso front cover. Lead corners slightly soft. Very good reference copy. QUote (p. 134) : " No examples remain from the brushes of the first patriarchs of Chinese Zen (one of them, Huineng was illiterate). Two eighth century Chinese eccentrics are often represented as the prototypes of Zen calligraphers - `Drunken Zhang' and ._._._." Size: 4to. Seller Inventory # 015013