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 theContinueContinue reading “Excerpt from the Heart Sutra”
Tag Archives: japanese culture
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, heContinueContinue 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.
礼 (rei) “courtesy”
One of the 7 virtues of bushido, the samurai code of chivalry.
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.
武士道 (bushido) “The Way of the Warrior”
The samurai moral code, guiding attitude, behaviour and lifestyle.
結 (ketsu)“Connections”
Literally meaning “tying together”, this word can be used to refer to the relationships that tie humans together, in particular romantic relationships. In Japan (as well as China and Korea) lovers who are destined to be together are thought to be joined by the “red thread of fate”. Romantic partners are often depicted with aContinueContinue reading “結 (ketsu)“Connections””
七転八起 (shichi-ten-hakki) “fall over 7 times, get up 8 times”
七 = seven 転 = fall over 八 = eight 起 = get up One of my favourite Japanese 4-character idioms
Calligraphy by Vicky 