Shodo: The Quiet Art of Japanese Zen Calligraphy, Learn the Wisdom of Zen Through Traditional Brush Painting Hardcover – March 11, 2014

I started by getting this book for myself to learn about Shodo. It is such a lovely book that I have also purchased as gifts for family and friends. There is plenty of instruction for anyone interested in beginning to paint. Also introduction to cultural and social importance of Zen as the basic guide in this art form.This is a book that one can revisit many times over the years. Highly recommend

An extraordinary calligraphy book! Even the thickly textured cover feels good.Professor Shozo Sato brings out the life and the human experience from a few brush strokes. I own a book shelf full of calligraphy books, but this is The One. The author very clearly shows you how masterpieces were made, and step by step details how to copy them and make them with your own personal interpretation. I've never seen another book of Japanese or Chinese calligraphy that is able to do that, especially for the Western mind. He transforms each Zen Statement into a meditation.The art student will find in "Shodo" a model for learning and teachingThe monk will find an important collection of Zen Buddhist koans or zengo.The art enthusiast will find fabulously beautiful pieces of Zen art.The practitioner will find thoughtfully nuanced meditative explanations of Zen statements as they relate to the rich teachings of Zen Buddhism.Sato-San seems to have compiled "Shodo" for the training of the mind to recognize earthly reality. The way is not easy, but this book is transformative and guides you on that path. Only a great master can accomplish that.jk

As an artist and student of Zen, I have long loved Japanese calligraphy but it always felt beyond my capability. When one reads of masters perfecting their techniques over decades, how impertinent does it seem for someone who cannot even read the language to attempt to write it! So for years all I have attempted are ensos. But this beautiful volume, with its clear examples and directions, makes one take courage, primarily because Sato shows each lesson in 4 different styles of calligraphy, from very formal to very informal, so one can attempt what feels closest to one's own nature. Equally encouraging are the biographies of some of his students and the examples of their work, which are handsome. Most reveal that they do not read Japanese! As my Zen teacher has said, we can do this as a practice of meditation, much as one recites a mantra of sutra, even if one does not understand the language. Thank you Shozo Sato... your book is a treasure!

Shozo Sato makes the complex art of Zen Shodo (writing of Zen Sayings or zengo) not only understandable and accessible to the average reader he goes beyond the history and possible Zen meanings to encourage the reader to express themselves in this ancient writing system with simple easy to follow patterns and the never before explained rhythm of the marks. His choices of zengo are relevant today in our lives of "tee shirt and blue jeans" and his wisdom and clarity give the reader access to an extraordinary teacher!

This book illustrates 'the way of the brush' as a meditative program of mind and heart discipline. A large number of zen sayings are illustrated and commented on in the various calligraphic styles developed by the Chinese and Japanese artists and scholars. The text is full enough to allow any practitioner to learn this art and practice the discipline. It is also a beautiful production which may be enjoyed just as an extraordinary example of Japanese culture, art, and religion. Highly recommended

I love this book, I want to start calligraphy and this definitely helps with lots of information how to hold and introduction to different writing styles.Also arrows steps how to write kanji phrases with clear meanings. Excellent excellent book!Just sad that it came ripped, It was packed together in a box with the other orders I made, one was quite heavy I suppose thats how it got ripped.I wished it was bubble wrapped or paper wrapped at least or something. I love my books in good condition :( but can't happen for this one.Normally amazon ship in some kind of special enveloped box thingi thats very secured.I wonder why not for this and the other book I ordered from Amazon this week.Im disappointed.

I bought my copy of Shodo: The Quiet Art of Japanese Zen Calligraphy on Amazon from Bellwether Books. Sold as "like new," the book is in fact really new, and it arrived within a week. I love the large size (the book is 9 inches by 12 inches) and the depth of the writing and instruction. Of course, the calligraphy is inspiring. I appreciate all who were involved in creating and delivering the delightful experience of this book to me.

Very pleased with my purchase. Gives history and explanation of each saying. Shows different styles of calligraphy with stroke order shown, and a brief introduction to forming strokes.