Classic of Spiritual Flight.

By Buddhism Now on 29 August 2024 • ( 0 )

One wrong move leads to many failures.
The enlightened ones transcend the trivial, while the mediocre remain mired in the mundane.
To cultivate virtue, one must start by controlling oneself; to cultivate wisdom, one must begin with clarity of thought.
The pursuit of wealth and power often leads to ruin, but those who are content with little can find peace.
The wise know when to retreat; the brave know when to advance.
In dealing with others, fairness is paramount; in self-reflection, sincerity is crucial.
As time passes, only those who remain diligent will avoid the regret of wasted years.

Classic of Spiritual Flight,
Zhong Shaojing. China, ca. 738

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Commissioned in 738 by Princess Yuzhen, a daughter of Emperor Xuanzong (r. 712–56), this writing exemplifies the sophisticated court style of the High Tang period. The small script is balanced and harmonious, with every hook, stroke, and dot perfectly defined and executed. Applied with a stiff, long-pointed brush, each stroke shows clean, crisp movements and graceful, saber-sharp turns. Individual characters are straight, upright, and firmly built, with a rectangular frame of supports and walls. The construction of the characters reveals an analytical process: different types of brushstrokes are seen as forces (shi) in a dynamic composition, each having a perfect form and a “method” (fa) of interacting with the other strokes; each character, with its elegant, carefully considered deployment of those forces, exemplifies a model of physical equilibrium and spiritual repose.
Due to my laziness and illness while living in the mountains, I am unable to visit you. I often recall General Zhang’s kindness, which provides me with some comfort. Our friendship has lasted for a long time, and I have observed many changes. It is like the bond between you, dear brother, and General Zhang, father and son, who, even after decades, remain as close as they were on the first day they formed their alliance. Such enduring relationships are rare in this world, and even the admirable qualities of the ancients pale in comparison. I am deeply impressed!

Lots more images on the wonderful Metropolitan Museum of Art website.

We would also like to thank and credit ChatGPT, an AI language model by OpenAI, for the translations.