We, bokujin (people of the sumi ink), conceive of the act of calligraphy as an external expression of an interval vibrancy, giving it shape in the form of brush calligraphy.
The expression of movement in calligraphy impinges on the viewer by its great energy, strong yet gently enveloping the viewer, and liberating and uplifting the mind. Such is the breadth of “Sho”. This expression of movement is communicated directly to the viewer intuitively, without any rational knowledge or analysis. It could be described as a whole-body sense. For example, on encountering someone for the first time, even without benefit of verbal communication, at the instant of meeting, one could perhaps experience a strong imposing pressure, or conversely, an enveloping warmth and calm. This impression springs not only from virtue, but from spiritual depth. This sense can be called instinctive and inclusive, and is latent in all people. The spiritual depth thus manifested creates an instant trust.
Such trust is created through the expression of one’s vital depth and this can be achieved through “Sho”. To manifest such “Sho”, we speak of a ‘vibrancy of life energy’, not simply a ‘vibrancy of spirit’. By ‘vibrancy of spirit’, we mean thinking this, conceiving that, being attached to shape and concept. However, at a deeper level found within, before shape comes, exists the intangible ‘vibrancy of life energy’, beyond reach of conscious thought. Beyond good and evil, from the deepest internal depth, this vibrancy is born as “Sho”. This “Sho” has the power to reach the viewer not at a superficial level, but at the very core of being.
