One-Stroke Calligraphy

What is One-Stroke Calligraphy?

One-Stroke Calligraphy: How It All Began

        Forty years ago, constant starvation caused me to become diabetic. Complications caused calcification in my eyes, and my vision continued to deteriorate. As I could barely see clearly, I was no longer able to read books or newspapers. Other than giving lectures and narrating articles, I could do nothing but write calligraphy.

        As I am unable to see, I can only estimate the spacing between characters. Once the brush is dipped in ink, I will write it fully with one stroke. If I am unable to finish in one stroke, then I will not know where to start the second stroke. Relying on my intuition, no matter how many characters I have to write, I must finish it in one stoke in order to reach my goal. Thus, it is called "One-Stroke Calligraphy."

        In April 2005, Venerable Ru Chang organized the “To Enlighten Sentient Beings" calligraphy exhibition inside the National Art Gallery in Malaysia. Subsequently, the exhibition went to UC Berkeley and University of the West in the United States; Hunan Provincial Museum, Three Gorges Museum, Nanjing Museum, and Yangzhou Museum in China; Hong Kong Central Library and Hong Kong University; Australia, Auckland and Christchurch in New Zealand; and Taiwan. Of note, the exhibition at University of the West was most amazing to me. Many years ago, my calligraphy piece that said, “A moment of mind that comes to the West" helped raise funds to establish the university. Twenty years later, it became the first university, established by a Chinese organization, to be accredited by WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges).

        My calligraphy has been showcased in grand halls because they are fortunate enough not to be disliked by the people. That is why I always tell people to "please look beyond my writings and see my heart." I feel that, at least, I have a modicum of compassion that I can show you.

        If one must speak of its value, one can simply say that they are merely the desire to establish good karma and bring happiness to people by a monastic renounced for over seventy-two years.

Hsing Yun