Ngan Siu Mui Art School ~ What is Chinese Calligraphy? ~

(1) Chinese Calligraphy is an abstract and visual art merging the spirit of literature and philosophy

An ancient treatise on the same had it, ”After reading 10 000 books or more, the brush will be as though divinely inspired”.
Proficiency in calligraphic technique without literary and philosophic import or content renders only commonplace brush strokes.

(2) Chinese calligraphy is an elegant physical exercise

Practicing calligraphy requires the internalized strength (the yin force) of the whole body to move the brush.
It forces the bones, joints, muscles and internal organs into a natural state of movement, which aids the regulation of breathing,
the lowering of blood pressure, and the prevention of bone fracture.
Hence the Chinese people in the olden days were thoroughly convinced that practicing the art for a long time would result in life prolongation.

(3) Chinese calligraphy is a form of meditation to calm the spirit

Practicing this art may help to dispel boredom and dismiss worries and relieve mental strain.

(4) Chinese calligraphy is a discipline of the mind

In the absence of patience, it is virtually impossible to learn calligraphy.
As the proverb says, “To endure one hundred times is golden”.
It follows that the practice of this art furnishes the most effective means to train the mind for patience.

In order to reap all the foregoing benefits

One must endeavor to cultivate artistic skill and aesthetic sense whilst practicing calligraphy.
Hastily and carelessly dabbing and scribbling will only bring us feelings of annoyance,
and we can never enjoy the benefits that calligraphy can provide.
Calligraphy is also known as the [Mind painting] which means that this art must be created by [unifying form and spirit.]