I chose this model of the Heart Sutra because it has been my own basis for shakyo for many years. I hope this model drives you to the practice of sutra copying and that you find it accessible.

Kim Chong-hui, 1786-1857, Korea
Back to the sutra copying page.
At the beginning of my calligraphy training I spent many hours a day copying the Heart Sutra. In this way I acquired a good mastery of the brush movement, which led to some of the original Heart Sutra calligraphies you can see at the Shodo Art Gallery.
I like the personal and light character of this model. This regular script has an elegant balance and the overall pattern is smooth. The shaping of the characters requires some mastery of the brush movement, but the style does not present any further problems. The model is also pleasing to the eye. Some examples of sutra copying are perfectly written, but sometimes they lack expression and appear somewhat boring.
I would like to draw your attention to some details of this Heart Sutra. The calligrapher omitted some characters, which were added in the margin later on. In column 11, mu and shiki, in 18, iko and in 22, issai. In column 6 he probably changed the order of the two first characters by mistake. The small arrows on the right indicate the correction.
If you can copy the model perfectly, that is wonderful. But do not be too afraid of making mistakes that you become stiff; do not force yourself as if you were a scribe having to pass an official test. Rather do sutra copying as a dynamic meditation, full of awareness and mindfulness. Perfection lies in this attitude.
In my sutra copying page I show you how to write the Heart Sutra. Feel free to print or download this example of the Heart Sutra for personal use.
Copy of the Heart Sutra in Regular Script brushed by Chinese Calligraphy Master Ou-yang Hsün
Ou-yang Hsün (Ouyang Xun,557-641) is one of the prominent calligraphers of the T’ang dynasty. As you can see from his copy of the Heart Sutra his calligraphy reveals an austere spirit full of vigor. The brush strokes in regular script are straight and angular and the characters are extremely well balanced. This model has a rigorous character, but not without dignity and grace.
If you like Ou Yang Hsün’s style, this is an excellent, clear copy.
I myself find it sometimes difficult to copy Ou-yang Hsün , as I experience the structure of the characters in regular script sometimes too tight. Nevertheless I always get back to Ou-yang Hsün ‘s calligraphy to recompose mind and brush.
Ou-yang Hsün’s Heart Sutra In Regular Script or Kaisho, Part 1
Ou-yang Hsün’s Heart Sutra In Regular Script or Kaisho, Part 2
I have come across this copybook of the Heart Sutra by Ou-yang Hsün printed on a magic cloth. This might be a nice introduction to Sutra copying for beginners. You fill the printed characters on the magic cloth in with water and as the water evaporates, the strokes disappear and you can use the copy again. Check out this magic cloth of the Heart Sutra by Ou-yang Hsün.
Heart Sutra Copying in Regular Script made easier with my Book A Kanji Stroke Order Manual For Heart Sutra Copying
My book A Kanji Stroke Order Manual for Heart Sutra Copying, independently published in 2018, focuses on Heart Sutra copying in kaisho or regular script. It contains a Heart Sutra brushed by myself in large-sized characters in regular script and shows each of the 276 kanji with its corresponding stroke order, the transliteration and translation. This Heart Sutra copying manual with the kanji stroke order explained will help you to practice Heart Sutra copying with more ease. And more ease leads to more clarity and concentration, both indispensable conditions for a meditative Heart Sutra copying session.
If you want to check out my Heart Sutra copying book please click on the image below.
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Heart Sutra Copying Book A Kanji Stroke Order Manual for Heart Sutra Copying in Regular Script |
Popular pages featuring Heart Sutra Copying
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