heart sutra by a Canadian

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heart sutra by a Canadian

by Dina Deboeuf
(Sunshine Coast Canada)

I started copying the art sutra from Nadja's Book and web site few months ago during a retreat. One page at a time. I will continue my copying in Fall.

The seal's script is very easy and very calming. The symmetry and simplicity of the characters make me feel "child like". I wish I had a brush more appropriate for the characters' size I choose.

The Kaisho style is still a challenge. But the characters repeat themselves and there is a sensuality, a flow that grow as I progressed through.

I liked looking at the others's copies on Nadja's website. It feels good to know that they are some other weird people out there who like to do calligraphy and copy esoteric heart sutras! Thanks for sharing

Here are my two versions of the heart sutra. Still a long way to go...

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heart sutra by a Canadian

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The artistic value of seal script
by: Nadja Van Ghelue

I do not think seal script is easy.

The initial apprenticeship of seal script might be faster compared to regular script, with that I do agree. Regular script has many different brush strokes and as each single stroke requires a particular movement of the brush, it takes more time. In seal script the number of strokes is smaller and therefore it seems easier to learn.

Let's say that after you have mastered the eight basic strokes you can already brush seal script, but do not be mistaken about the true nature of seal script. From the artistic point of view, the very subtle balance of seal script is one of the most difficult ones to achieve.

It requires a steady and natural flow of your creative energy in the tip of the brush, balancing between pressure and release, so that the brush strokes maintain clarity and tension in design and performance. And that's not easy at all!

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On another line, for me sutra copying has nothing to do with weirdness.

The copying of the heart sutra belongs to a very old Buddhist tradition. It has been practiced in China and Japan from the very beginning Buddhism was introduced into those countries. So I am very grateful that this tradition has come to the West and that with my personal love for brush and calligraphy I can link myself to this precious practice.

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heart sutra by a Canadian

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heart sutra by a Canadian