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context: calligraphy > Zen

Ryokan, 1758-1831

Poem About A Crazy Monk, by Ryokan

Ryokan, aka Daigu, was a Soto monk - this is the less artistically-prevalent branch of Zen that believes in slow enlightenment. This poem shows extraordinarily spacious lettering, very clear and natural, confident, flowing - but also deliberately uneven, to fit its subject.

backwards: Gocho