Zen Calligraphy is my favorite style of Shodo. Although I firmly believe that learning the fundamentals of calligraphy is necessary to brush good art, I also enjoy the emphasis Zen training puts in developing bokki (ki of the ink or the manifestation of kiai in the ink) through breath and posture. This style of calligraphy does not emphasize the academic grounds of penmanship. … [Read more...] about Shodo is Zen. Zen is Shodo
Articles
Meditation and Stress
Over a year and a half ago, I began my Thesis research project for my Master of Science in Management degree. My research question was simple: Is Zen meditation an effective mindfulness technique to manage stress and enhance psychological well-being? I've been training in Zen, sitting formally and informally, for years, always wondering: does this really work? While I knew … [Read more...] about Meditation and Stress
Connection through body movement
Tai Sabaki is a Japanese term used in martial arts commonly translated as “body movement.” If we look at the Kanji, the first one, TAI 体 means “body,” and the second SABA(KI) 捌き means “to handle, to deal with.” Therefore, Tai Sabaki can also mean “body management, or body control.” During training, we learn techniques by breaking them down into steps. Step one: step forward, … [Read more...] about Connection through body movement
Zen Breakfast
I like breakfast, but I usually don't eat it. I drink coffee in the mornings, and that holds me up until lunch. I don't eat breakfast mostly for two reasons; I'm lazy in the mornings to prepare it, and early in the morning my stomach doesn't handle food very well. As a chef, I know the importance of the morning meal, and I appreciate it when I get a chance to have it, which … [Read more...] about Zen Breakfast
Pentel Fude Brush Pen Review
Two years ago, I made a video reviewing Zen Brush 2, the iPad app that lets you digitally mimic sumi brush strokes using your finger or stylus. The results aren't perfect, and there is a lot left to desire when it comes to the look and feel of the brushstrokes. However, my biggest praise was how easy it was to practice brushing kanji without the hassle of setting up a station, … [Read more...] about Pentel Fude Brush Pen Review