Chinese calligraphy is a unique part of traditional culture. But nowadays, we have developed network communication tools, and we seldom write Chinese, not to mention practice calligraphy. Chinese calligraphy, however, is one of the fundamental ways of self-cultivation.
Advantages you can gain from practicing calligraphy
1. It nurtures your spirit
In the Yellow Emperor, an ancient Chinese medical text, it says: “Serenity nurtures the spirit, agitation destroys it.” Chinese calligraphy can help people to be calm; when children practice calligraphy, they acquire peaceful concentration and eliminate impatience and irritation.
For every stroke you make, you stay focused on body and mind, a state that nurtures the spirit.
2. It cultivates your heart
By practicing calligraphy, you will gain patience and sharpen your mind. Patience is also a path to perseverance. Lao Zhi said: “All great accomplishments begin from minding details.” The first and the last strokes of every character help you to cultivate a good habit of paying attention to detail.
3. It cultivates your vision
Understanding from your heart comes from what you hear and what you see. However, to observe is far more important; you pay more attention to how much you are able to observe through watching and seeing.
4. It nurtures the concept of aesthetics
Chinese Calligraphy also helps you learn to appreciate beauty, find beauty, and create beauty.
5. It is the path to a righteous heart
Chinese Calligraphy can help you to cultivate a righteous heart. Liu Gong Quan, a famous calligrapher and poet from the Tang Dynasty, said: “When the calligraphy is properly done, your heart will be righteous.”
You can elevate your character by practicing calligraphy. Chinese calligraphy is the engine of our spirit, in other words: “If you’re good at calligraphy, you’ll be good at being a good person.”
6. It improves your willingness to learn
We always want to cultivate a great respect for traditional Chinese culture by not only teaching children calligraphy, but at the same time by enhancing their appreciation for Chinese history and other classic writings.
7. It elevates the spirit
Mencius, a famous Chinese philosopher, said: “I nurture my broad righteousness.” We focus on the energy and artistic quality of Chinese calligraphy, but with more emphasis on cultivating a “Noble Spirit.” This is a progressive spiritual strength; the result of a hard-working and tolerant spirit.
8. It nurtures a respectful heart
Practicing Chinese calligraphy with a pious and respectful heart ensures that you will enlighten to the wonder of calligraphy.
9. It nurtures propriety
While learning each stroke of a character, you should focus on cultivating propriety. Confucius said: “Don’t look at anything improper, listen to anything improper, say anything improper, or do anything improper.”
Through practicing calligraphy, you can learn self-control and regain propriety. The spirit of propriety is what the world needs most right now.
10. It nurtures diligence
Practicing Chinese calligraphy requires you to be diligent, persistent, and to be able to endure well. Du Fu, a famous poet from the Tang Dynasty, said: “A man should read five truckloads of books and work hard for his prosperity.”
Studying Chinese calligraphy can help you achieve your goals in life.
Translated research by Mona Song and Kathy McWilliams
