[ARTS] Exploring Zen Art – Bodhidharma & Calligraphy

[Taikyo]

Hello everyone,

Recently, while buying some art supplies for my sister, I decided to pick up some paper and watercolors for myself. It has been many years since I last tried drawing, and I wanted to see if my skills had grown rusty.

I felt inspired to make a simple drawing of Bodhidharma. It turned out with many imperfections, yet I found joy in the process. The experience reminded me how art can be a practice in itself—embracing imperfection, presence, and letting the brush move freely.

Now I feel drawn to learn more about traditional Zen approaches to drawing, and especially calligraphy. I would be grateful if anyone in the community could share guidance, resources, or personal experiences with Zen art and calligraphy practice.

Thank you for reading, and I look forward to learning from your wisdom.

Gassho,
Stevan
sat/lah

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[Jundo]

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Lovely! We have some gifted calligraphers in the Sangha, at least for Kanji. Perhaps one might offer some pointers. (I am afraid, not me: Contrary to rumors, becoming a Zen priest did not automatically make me a gifted calligrapher, nor a Kung Fu master, poet, Japanese gardener, tea master (I prefer coffee) or mind reader. Despite being in Japan for almost 40 years, my Kanji make elementary school students laugh.)

Yours reminds me of the scroll of the Old Fella that we have in our Zendo in Japan. I like it cause, well, looks like he is having a rough day, and even Zen Ancestors are entitled to have a rough day.

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The BD in my office seems just in a bit annoyed today ...
.

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Gassho, J
stlah

[Taikyo]

Lovely! We have some gifted calligraphers in the Sangha, at least for Kanji. Perhaps one might offer some pointers. (I am afraid, not me: Contrary to rumors, becoming a Zen priest did not automatically make me a gifted calligrapher, nor a Kung Fu master, poet, Japanese gardener, tea master (I prefer coffee) or mind reader. Despite being in Japan for almost 40 years, my Kanji make elementary school students laugh.)

Yours reminds me of the scroll of the Old Fella that we have in our Zendo in Japan. I like it cause, well, looks like he is having a rough day, and even Zen Ancestors are entitled to have a rough day.

image.png

The BD in my office seems just in a bit annoyed today ...
.

image.png

Gassho, J
stlah

I don’t know why,
But ever since I first saw the drawing of Bodhidharma, and in countless variations since then,
always—regardless of his facial expression—my face lights up in a smile.
A while back, I folded an origami Daruma figure using an online tutorial.

Gassho,
Stevan
sat/lah

[Taikyo]

Inspired by today’s beautiful Jukai ceremony,
I painted this small watercolor as an expression of gratitude.

Gassho,
Taikyo
sat/lah

[Bion]

Inspired by today’s beautiful Jukai ceremony,
I painted this small watercolor as an expression of gratitude.

Gassho,
Taikyo
sat/lah

did you draw that, Tai??

Gassho
sat lah

[Taikyo]

did you draw that, Tai??

Gassho
sat lah

Yes, I painted this small watercolor.
It may not be perfect, but I hope to improve with practice

Gassho

[Bion]

Yes, I painted this small watercolor.
It may not be perfect, but I hope to improve with practice

Gassho

Do you have a high res digital scan of it? Maybe we could feature it somewhere on the website , if you allow it

Gassho
sat lah

[Taikyo]

Yes, of course.
Where to send it?
Because forums do not accept high-res images.

Gassho

[Bion]

Yes, of course.
Where to send it?
Because forums do not accept high-res images.

Gassho

you can upload it to your drive maybe, and send me a link, or you can use email : kando.bion@icloud.com

gassho
sat lah