Sacred Calligraphy of the East - Softcover

Stevens, John

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1570621225 ISBN 13: 9781570621222

Publisher: Shambhala, 1996

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.

About this title

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

About this edition

• Publisher: Shambhala
• Publication date: 1996
• ISBN 10: 1570621225
• ISBN 13: 9781570621222
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 3
• Number of pages: 207