In its homeland, Chinese calligraphy is known as shūfǎ (書法), which translates directly to “the way of writing,” with “way” carrying the deeper meaning of “the correct path” rather than simply a method. Its origins date back over 3,000 years to the Shang dynasty, when questions were posed to divinities through written inscriptions on oracle bones.
Unlike the words composed of letters in our phonetic alphabet, characters composed of morphemes, or meaningful linguistic units, were employed in these early inscriptions. Like Egyptian hieroglyphics, each unit (or radical) resembles a small drawing of what it represents. As Chinese calligraphy developed through the dynasties, it retained, and built upon, the many layers of meaning infused in this written language.
Shufa is way more than a way to impart information, however. It is a lofty form of artistic expression that can convey cultural and spiritual values. The aesthetic beauty of perfectly formed characters and compositions is unquestionable — they are often framed and displayed just like a fine painting.
Of course, to achieve this kind of mastery takes practice; but that practice is accessible, enjoyable, and deeply therapeutic.
Why practice Chinese calligraphy?
Like qigong and meditation, Chinese calligraphy is a practice that integrates mind, body and spirit for holistic health and well-being. Practicing Chinese characters requires a level of discipline that promotes clarity of mind, and fosters a sense of inner calm, energetic focus, and spiritual growth.
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To write Chinese calligraphy, one must have patience. Worlds away from typing a quick text, or even hand-writing a message, shufa requires careful preparation, which helps put you in the right state of mind for this thoughtful endeavor.
The black ink used for traditional Chinese calligraphy comes in the form of a hard block, or ink stick. Made by combining animal glue with the soot collected from burning pine resin, the dried block gradually dissolves into ink when it is rubbed with a bit of water on an ink stone.
Before using the brush, it must be washed in clean water to remove residues, soften the hairs and ensure even ink absorption.
Such preparation is like a commitment to the task at hand — it helps steady the mind and clear away other thoughts. This first step is also believed to relax the body and open up energy channels.
This short video shows the fascinating process for making ink sticks.
Although the movements are not strenuous, practicing Chinese calligraphy calls for careful regulation of the body. Good posture is essential to enhance brush control, improve fluidity of the strokes, and reduce muscle strain during extended sessions.
Characters are created through intricate movements that call for steady breathing and sharp focus; while the extensive repetition required to achieve accuracy and grace builds a kind of perseverance and dedication that is beneficial to any undertaking.
Like meditation and qigong exercises, writing Chinese calligraphy asks you to concentrate your thoughts and energy on the present moment. To paint each stroke correctly requires careful and deliberate movements, with an attention that demands your full presence.
The rhythmic repetition of painting strokes also facilitates entering a state of “flow,” or complete immersion — greatly enhancing mindfulness.
Mindfulness promotes mental clarity and emotional balance — useful states for navigating all of life’s challenges with greater acceptance, insight and resilience.
With each brush stroke, your breath softens, your focus settles, and your mind learns to move with ease. – Shufalife.com
In traditional Chinese philosophy, qi is considered to be the vital energy behind all life processes. For optimal health, qi must be balanced and harmoniously flowing along the body’s various energy channels, or meridians.
Chinese calligraphy engages this energy, allowing it to flow through the body to the brush, and onto the paper.
There is a saying in martial arts that “power is governed by the waist, and takes shape in the fingers.” One’s posture, hand position, force, grace, and demeanor while wielding the brush all contribute to the energy of the work created.
Lao Tzu taught “Empty your mind of all thoughts. Let your heart be at peace.” When a practitioner is able to achieve this state of tranquility, their calligraphy is believed to be infused with divine energy (神 氣 shen qi).
Practicing Chinese calligraphy cultivates virtue
At its essence, shufa is the cultivation of virtue. It is a traditional, yet accessible means of self-cultivation that promotes moral improvement through artistic refinement.
Emperor Taizong of Tang wrote in his Secrets of Calligraphy: “When you want to write, you should turn your gaze inward and listen inward, eliminate all thoughts and concentrate your mind. If your mind is upright and your spirit is harmonious, you will be in harmony with the subtlety of calligraphy; if your mind is not upright, your characters will be crooked; if your will is not harmonious, your calligraphy will be overturned…”
Thus, the creation of a beautiful composition depends not only on the cultivation of patience, discipline, and perseverance, but also on purity of heart and mind. Of course, with the improvement of one’s character, one begins to align with the course of nature, and connect with his or her divine side.
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