Chinese Calligraphy in the Present

Learning Chinese Calligraphy


Zen
The past is over.
The future may never be.
The present is all that exists.
Live each moment to the fullest.
- Buddha Board

Intention: I was gifted the original

Buddha Board

for my birthday which made the perfect opportunity on Labor Day weekend to learn Chinese calligraphy and connect with my roots. After watching a number of YouTube tutorials and practicing, I wanted to put together a reference for me to come back to when reinforcing what I have learned so far.


The Buddha Board allows me to be fully in the present and the "Master the art of letting go". After dipping the bamboo brush into the water, I am able to create strokes that last for only a few minutes before evaporating. The feeling is calming and puts my mind at ease while I am creating these temporary images.



11 Basic Strokes

Courtesy of

ChineseFor.Us - Learn Chinese Mandarin Online


Chinese Character Stroke Order

1. Left to right
One - Yī

2. Top to bottom
Three - Sān

3. Horizontal then vertical
Ten - Shí

4. Outside to inside
Ask - Wèn

5. Middle before two sides
Small - Xiǎo

6. Inside before closing
To circle - Huí