是諸法空相 = All phenomena bear the mark of Emptiness 不生不滅 = no Birth no Death 不垢不浄 = no Defilement no Purity 不増不減 = no Increasing no Decreasing (Translation by Thich Nhat Hanh) The Heart Sutra is one of the most important sutras (religious texts) in Buddhism. It celebrates the idea that all things of theContinue reading "Excerpt from the Heart Sutra"
抱負 (houfu) “resolution”
和気藹々 (wa-ki-ai-ai) “happy gathering”
My housemate wanted some calligraphy for our house. He asked for a phrase which relates to people coming together and having a good time. I asked my Japanese teacher for such a phrase and she recommended this 4-character idiom. It means something like “to be full of happy friendly atmosphere when people gather together”. Anyway, heContinue reading "和気藹々 (wa-ki-ai-ai) “happy gathering”"
儚 (hakana) “transience”
One of the reasons that flowers are so well-loved is that they bloom for a short time. Transience holds an important place in Japanese culture; the more transient an object, the greater its beauty.
晴耕雨読 (sei-kō-u-doku) “fine weather, labour, rain, read”
This is a “yo-ji-juku-go” (Japanese 4-character idiom), which describes how to live a peaceful yet productive life: work when it’s sunny, and rest when it rains. Doing everything in its proper season.
感謝 (kan-sha) “gratitude”
礼 (rei) “courtesy”
One of the 7 virtues of bushido, the samurai code of chivalry.
鬼 (oni) “demon”
名誉 (mei-yo) “honour”
One of the 7 virtues of bushido, the samurai code of chivalry.
勇 (i-sa-mu) bravery
One of the 7 virtues of bushido, the samurai code of chivalry.
Calligraphy by Vicky 