I have been learning and deepening my understanding of the arts of Sumi-e painting and Shodō oriental calligraphy for some time. A demanding, disciplined path, and at the same time, infinitely beautiful.
Both disciplines unfold as a path of self-knowledge, where practice becomes a way to connect with oneself, creativity, philosophy, and meditation.
The learning of these arts follows an ordered method: it begins with the study and practice of the first strokes to familiarize oneself with the brush and its possibilities. However, after this first structured phase, there is no fixed order. “It is a method that invites us to forget the method,” allowing creativity and the essence of the artist to emerge.
Both disciplines share essential and accessible materials: an ink stick, water, a brush, and rice paper. Every practice begins with the preparation of these elements, following the teaching that “to do a good job, one must first sharpen the tools.”
The preparation of the solid ink on the stone is a ritual in itself. The contact with the water, the repetitive and hypnotic movement of grinding the ink calms the mind and anchors us in the present.
Preparation is not limited to materials; the body must also be ready. Before painting, it is essential to do exercises that help adopt a conscious and “dignified” posture, as my teacher used to say. Being aware of the breath is equally important: when the body is receptive, we become a channel for the stroke, the kanji, or the image that already exists in the universe to manifest on the paper.
Once the ink touches the paper, the work no longer belongs to us. The paper becomes a mirror that reflects our state, our thoughts, and emotions. Learning to see ourselves in the ink is a process of discovery. Over time, practice grants us confidence in the brush, allowing the brushstroke to arise from the breath and, almost without noticing, bring forth the spontaneous and the essential. It is at this point that beauty emerges, a beauty that can only be born from the soul.
My teacher used to say, “The practice of Zen disciplines is the closest thing to touching eternity.”
I invite you to experience, learn, and discover this path.
Discover our in-person workshop in Barcelona: Introduction to Shodō and Zen Meditation.
Learning Reiki in Japan can bring the practice into a wider cultural context. Here is what to consider when choosing a course, and how we approach our Reiki Mastery journey at Kisetsu.
A clear guide to starting meditation from scratch: posture, breathing, duration, guided meditation, and how to build a consistent practice.
Discover what is taught in the three levels of Reiki, from Shoden and self-treatment to Okuden, the symbols, and Shinpiden Master training.
