To promote Chinese culture, art, and spiritual cultivation, the Frankfurt Chapter of the Buddha’s Light International Association held a “One-Day Calligraphy Class” on July 6th. Co-organized by the First and Second Chapters, the class attracted over 30 enthusiastic Chinese and international calligraphy enthusiasts from diverse backgrounds. The class was filled with joy, as participants experienced the art and Zen spirit of calligraphy with brush, ink, paper, and inkstone, spending a fulfilling and peaceful afternoon.
The class featured Pan Shaochan, a Fo Guang official with extensive calligraphy experience. Using a comprehensive and accessible approach, Pan guided participants through the art of brushstroke structure and the cultivation of a state of mind, emphasizing that calligraphy is not only a skill-building exercise but also a form of inner practice. The class featured live projection of calligraphy examples on a large screen, allowing participants to clearly observe the teacher’s flow and pauses, meticulously mastering the rhythm of writing.
The core themes of the class were the four Chinese characters “人,” “天,” “自,” and “在,” symbolizing the path to freedom found within the universe. Each participant was fully engaged, completely absorbed in the process, from the beginning to the end of each stroke, transforming their inner peace and joy into the ink marks they created. Yang Jiayan, acting as an assistant instructor, and Pan Shaochan, along with the others, patiently helped the participants adjust their brushstrokes, master their pressure and rhythm, and encouraged them to let go of tension and enjoy the present moment.
At the end of the course, Venerable Jueyan, Abbot of Fo Guang Shan Frankfurt, gave a compassionate teaching, emphasizing that calligraphy imbues the profound spiritual essence of Chinese culture and is a unique method for self-cultivation. The process of focused writing can help one achieve peace of mind, ease worries, and realize the true meaning of “art as meditation.” Calligraphy is an inner journey of meditation and an opportunity to experience “Zen concentration” and “Dhamma joy.”
German student Julia expressed her gratitude to Fo Guang Shan Frankfurt for providing a warm, peaceful, and culturally rich learning environment. She experienced the power of peace and tranquility in her first encounter with calligraphy. Jiang Wenming, a Heidelberg student who also participated in a calligraphy course for the first time, shared her experience, stating that the course’s solid content and meticulous organization far exceeded her expectations. She mentioned that she had long harbored a keen interest in calligraphy but lacked systematic learning opportunities. This event opened a door to the world of calligraphy for her. Teacher Pan Shaochan provided approachable instruction and explained it in a simple and accessible manner, guiding participants step by step through the stroke structure and essential brushstroke techniques, making it accessible even to those with no prior experience. She further stated that the course not only provided her with a preliminary understanding of calligraphy’s historical background and techniques, but also built her confidence to continue learning. She looks forward to further opportunities for deeper exploration in the future.
The event not only enhanced participants’ calligraphy skills but also allowed them to experience the spiritual transformation that calligraphy brings. As they moved with brush and ink, they found peace and joy in the tranquility. The Frankfurt Association will continue to promote calligraphy and cultural courses, hoping to impart wisdom and joy through the fragrance of ink, allowing the soul to blossom through culture.
