tao – Calligraphy by Vicky

道 (dō) “Way”, “Route”, “The Tao”

A Japanese calligraphy artwork. The writing means "the way" or "the tao".

This is the “-dō” in the Japanese martial arts of judō, kendō and aikidō, as well as shodō (calligraphy), sadō (tea ceremony) and many others. Loosely translated, it means “way”, “route”, “path” or “doctrine”. My calligraphy teacher said that studying a Japanese art is considered similar to taking a journey up a mountain. The summitContinueContinue reading “道 (dō) “Way”, “Route”, “The Tao””

間 (ma) “emptiness, space, interval”

“Though thirty spokes may form the wheel, it is the hole within the hub which gives the wheel utility. It is not the clay the potter throws, which gives the pot its usefulness, but the space within the shape, from which the pot is made. Without a door, the room cannot be entered, and withoutContinueContinue reading “間 (ma) “emptiness, space, interval””

道 “road”, “path”, “the way”, “the Tao” (michi/dō)

This is the “-dō” of the Japanese martial arts of judo, kendo and aikido, as well as shodo (calligraphy) and sado (tea ceremony). Loosely translated it means “way”, “route”, “path” or “doctrine”. Studying a Japanese art is considered similar to taking a journey up a mountain. The summit is the refinement of oneself, and thereContinueContinue reading “道 “road”, “path”, “the way”, “the Tao” (michi/dō)”