Calligraphy Meets Philosophy - Talk 2

(I)

Content is the soul of an artwork.

Thus, catching the soul of Chinese calligraphy requires understanding the literary contents. To facilitate this, the Calligraphy Meets Philosophy series presents traditional Chinese calligraphy alongside line-by-line translated texts with remarks and footnotes. As such, it furthers readers' understanding of traditional Chinese thoughts through calligraphy and concise English translations.

(II)

Calligraphy Meets Philosophy - Talk 2 (《 尚語∙第二話 》) highlights some key traditional Chinese philosophical concepts like "Nothingness (空)", "Form (色)", "Tranquility (靜)", "Ease (閒)", and "Self Enlightenment (自我覺悟)". It does so by having calligraphies and translations of selected literary works by Cao Cao (曹操, 155-220 AD), Zhuge Liang (諸葛亮, 181-234 AD), Yen Shang (楊慎, 1488-1559 AD), Bai Juyi (白居易, 772-846 AD), Li Bai (李白, 701-762 AD), The Nun of the Wujinzhan (無盡藏比丘尼, ?-?AD), Wuzu Fayan (五祖法演, ?-1104AD), Longya Judun (龍牙居遁, 835-923 AD), and Kuiji (窺基, 632-682 AD). The concluding artwork is the calligraphy of the entire Diamond Sutra (《 金剛般若波羅蜜經 》) in small standard script (小楷), followed by a short remark.

(III)

This book could not have been published without the help of my father, Dr Kwok Kin POON (潘國鍵博士). I sincerely thank his priceless advice on my translations throughout the series. His unwavering support and tutelage have always been the chief drivers of my passion for learning and passing on traditional Chinese calligraphy and culture.

Knowledge is never pursued alone.

KS Vincent Poon

August 2023, Toronto