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Master makes Zen simple
By Xu Wenen |
December 1, 2010, Wednesday
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Print Edition
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XU Wenen checks out a new exhibition of calligraphy by Buddhist master Hsing Yun, accompanied by photography and easy explanations of profound Zen philosophy.
A pretty girl with makeup and a nice dress is prettier, and the makeup and dress are Zen. So everybody has Zen, and Zen is necessary in life," Master Hsing Yun, the internationally renowned Buddhist monk explained Zen (Chinese Chan) in simple words.
Last Sunday, famed Buddhist master Hsing Yun arrived in Hangzhou to attend the opening ceremony of the exhibition "Awe-inspiring Virtue and Ocean of Prosperity - Walking Closer to the Venerable Master through Calligraphy, Chan Quotes and Photography."
Hsing Yun, an important figure in the modern reformation of Mahayana Buddhism in China, is the founder of the Fo Guang Shan Buddhist order and the affiliated Buddha's Light International Association, one of the largest international Buddhist organizations in the world.
"Awe-inspiring Virtue and Ocean of Prosperity means a person needs awe-inspiring appearance and virtue in heart, so he will have the prosperity that can contain an ocean," the master explained at the opening ceremony.
The exhibition, which will run until next Tuesday at the West Lake Expo Museum, features 110 calligraphic works by the master. Each work is accompanied by a Zen saying by the master, and 108 calligraphies are also attached to a Buddhism-related photograph by Wang Jiyan, executive vice president of Phoenix Satellite Television and head of Phoenix Chinese Channel.
The Zen sayings explain profound philosophy in simple language, trying to enlighten modern people in the rapidly developing world. The photographs on display capture landscapes of famous Buddhist temples around the world, the daily life of Buddhist monks or the worship practices of Buddhists at those temples.
"Everyone has endless potential like energy hidden at the bottom of the ocean or in mountains. Untapped, it awaits your cultivation and development," is a quotation accompanying his calligraphic work "Intimate Time and Space," as well as a photo of the billowy Qiantang River tide.
"A wise person thinks about life and wonders. Where does life come from and where do people go after death? A wise person always thinks of the whole picture, does not diminish or discard it in the views of others, and is thoughtful and respected," goes with the calligraphy "The Chan mind, the Buddha's way."
Master Hsing Yun is known for his one-stroke calligraphy, in which the artist must complete the entire character in one continuous stroke. So most of his calligraphy works are less than four characters, and each character is no bigger than the palm of your hand.
At the age of 83, the master has suffered from diabetes and eye conditions for around 40 years. Although he can barely see and writes with shaking hands, the master is still able to let his heart guide his hands in his one-stroke calligraphy.
Known for his "Humanistic Buddhism" philosophy, Hsing Yun is credited by Buddhist scholars as one of the forefront leaders in the modern reformation of Buddhism by opening monasteries, universities and schools around the world, as well as engaging in religious dialogue among other Buddhist sects and religious faiths.
In recent years, Hsing Yun has collected 1 billion Taiwan new dollars (US$33 million), mostly from Buddhist followers, to help establish hospitals and schools worldwide.
The exhibition raises money for the collection as well, visitors can make donations and buy Hsing Yun's book "Awe-inspiring Virtue and Ocean of Prosperity."
Date: through December 7
Venue: West Lake Expo Museum, 40 Beishan Rd
A pretty girl with makeup and a nice dress is prettier, and the makeup and dress are Zen. So everybody has Zen, and Zen is necessary in life," Master Hsing Yun, the internationally renowned Buddhist monk explained Zen (Chinese Chan) in simple words.
Last Sunday, famed Buddhist master Hsing Yun arrived in Hangzhou to attend the opening ceremony of the exhibition "Awe-inspiring Virtue and Ocean of Prosperity - Walking Closer to the Venerable Master through Calligraphy, Chan Quotes and Photography."
Hsing Yun, an important figure in the modern reformation of Mahayana Buddhism in China, is the founder of the Fo Guang Shan Buddhist order and the affiliated Buddha's Light International Association, one of the largest international Buddhist organizations in the world.
"Awe-inspiring Virtue and Ocean of Prosperity means a person needs awe-inspiring appearance and virtue in heart, so he will have the prosperity that can contain an ocean," the master explained at the opening ceremony.
The exhibition, which will run until next Tuesday at the West Lake Expo Museum, features 110 calligraphic works by the master. Each work is accompanied by a Zen saying by the master, and 108 calligraphies are also attached to a Buddhism-related photograph by Wang Jiyan, executive vice president of Phoenix Satellite Television and head of Phoenix Chinese Channel.
The Zen sayings explain profound philosophy in simple language, trying to enlighten modern people in the rapidly developing world. The photographs on display capture landscapes of famous Buddhist temples around the world, the daily life of Buddhist monks or the worship practices of Buddhists at those temples.
"Everyone has endless potential like energy hidden at the bottom of the ocean or in mountains. Untapped, it awaits your cultivation and development," is a quotation accompanying his calligraphic work "Intimate Time and Space," as well as a photo of the billowy Qiantang River tide.
"A wise person thinks about life and wonders. Where does life come from and where do people go after death? A wise person always thinks of the whole picture, does not diminish or discard it in the views of others, and is thoughtful and respected," goes with the calligraphy "The Chan mind, the Buddha's way."
Master Hsing Yun is known for his one-stroke calligraphy, in which the artist must complete the entire character in one continuous stroke. So most of his calligraphy works are less than four characters, and each character is no bigger than the palm of your hand.
At the age of 83, the master has suffered from diabetes and eye conditions for around 40 years. Although he can barely see and writes with shaking hands, the master is still able to let his heart guide his hands in his one-stroke calligraphy.
Known for his "Humanistic Buddhism" philosophy, Hsing Yun is credited by Buddhist scholars as one of the forefront leaders in the modern reformation of Buddhism by opening monasteries, universities and schools around the world, as well as engaging in religious dialogue among other Buddhist sects and religious faiths.
In recent years, Hsing Yun has collected 1 billion Taiwan new dollars (US$33 million), mostly from Buddhist followers, to help establish hospitals and schools worldwide.
The exhibition raises money for the collection as well, visitors can make donations and buy Hsing Yun's book "Awe-inspiring Virtue and Ocean of Prosperity."
Date: through December 7
Venue: West Lake Expo Museum, 40 Beishan Rd
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