Sacred Calligraphy of the East [Paperback]

John Stevens (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 16, 1996

Throughout the East, writing is held to be a gift from the gods, and the divinely inspired letters and characters are objects of the highest veneration. The religious significance of calligraphy has thus led to a unique development of the art of brush and ink in Japan, China, India, and Tibet. This beautifully illustrated book covers such topics as the history and spirit of Eastern calligraphy, the art of copying religious texts, the biographies of important Zen calligraphers, and practical instructions on materials and techniques for the contemporary student. No knowledge of the languages discussed is required for the reader to appreciate the study of this ancient practice.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This is a book which one must read brush in hand, for—as in all religions—it is only through participation that the divine becomes apparent. This excellent book is therefore, in this double sense, an experience. It explicates the Word—and returns it to its original personal and sacred nature." — The Japan Times



"A stimulating and attractive work bound to encourage the non-specialist interested in widening an appreciation and possibly an actual practice of sacred calligraphy."— Choice



"A sumptuous collection of 'divinely inspired' letters and characters." —Parabola

About the Author

John Stevens is Professor of Buddhist Studies and Aikido instructor at Tohoku Fukushi University in Sendai, Japan. He is the author or translator of over twenty books on Buddhism, Zen, Aikido, and Asian culture. He has practiced and taught Aikido all over the world.

Product Details

• Paperback: 207 pages
• Publisher: Shambhala; 3 Sub edition (January 16, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1570621225
• ISBN-13: 978-1570621222
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,058,398 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent compilation of techniques and images, March 26, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Sacred Calligraphy of the East (Paperback)

Honestly I bought the book out of pure intuition. I didn't know what to expect except for a very interesting index. It was a wonderful surprise. Leading a meditation workshop based on western calligraphy technique, I had a keen personal interest on reading this book. Extraordinary in its coverage of background, theory, examples and exercises, it sure is an excellent addition to any artist or person interested in finding a creative and trascendental outlet for his creativity. Although a little technical knowledge goes a long way here, it is also easy for beginners to start. Recommended whole-heartedly.

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars a wonderful tour of Oriental calligraphy, August 7, 2000

By 

Mayer Goldberg (Beer Sheva, Negev Israel) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sacred Calligraphy of the East (Paperback)

Sacred Calligraphy of the East takes you through the scripts used in the sacred writings of religions and nations of East Asia. If the book would have just been a wide collection of calligraphic examples, this would have been a good enough reason to get the book. But the book is more than this: It actually teaches you to draw these characters. It's a wonderful book.

15 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent reference to sacred oriental calligraphy, November 9, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Sacred Calligraphy of the East (Paperback)

Two years ago, at a Zen retreat, I needed something to relax my mind. The priest who headed the retreat had, at his house, an assortment of books from which to choose. I didn't want something cerebral. I fingered his library and came upon John Steven's "Sacred Calligraphy of the East." It was perfect! It offered pictures from which I was able to relax and study the historical progress of Eastern calligraphic forms. Since then, I have bought the book for myself and I continually refer to it when in need. That may seem rather odd: I don't really know why the book relaxes me and gives me solice, but I am quite grateful to John Stevens for his contribution to the art and to my life.