Ajari Tanaka's Calligraphy Demonstration at Middlebury College

Almost every year since the mid-1990's Ajari Tanaka has visited Middlebury College to conduct a Shodo (traditional Japanese calligraphy) demonstration for and Asain Art class.  Here is a collection of photos that tell the story of this year's visit.

This year's audience was a little smaller than usual, but it made the even all the more accessible and relaxed.

Ajari Tanaka explaining his personal daily practice of Oshakyo, sutra copying.  Ajari's usual choice for this practice is the Heart Sutra.

Ajari's opening remarks about the significance of the paper, brush, ink and ink stone.

The first piece was a large "enso" or circle, and very ghosty example of the character "ku" or emptiness.

This is a classic piece that Ajari Tanaka has done many times, "peaceful face, lovely speaking"

Here he is brushing out Master Bassho's famous haiku about the old pond, the frog and the infamous jump.

Ajari beginning a piece that read "Hei Jo Shin".

"Hei Jo Shin" literally means "flat, always, heart".  But a translation that more closely mirrors its true meaning is "always maintain equanimity" of "keep an even mind". 

Ajari Tanaka patiently waiting for his assistant to ready the next piece of rice paper. 

Ajari Tanaka using some small media, for single characters.

Here Ajari Tanaka is explaining the meaning of these characters.  In his left hand is "Ku" or emptiness and in his right hand is "Ai" or love.

I know this shot is a little blurry but I bet you get the idea...