This is a series of workshops designed by Azumi Uchitani to explore Japanese culture through the art of calligraphy and language. We will meet bi-weekly, slowly moving from season to season and uncovering new characters, rituals, concepts and beliefs deeply rooted in Japanese lifestyle. Each event we will centre around a new symbol: we will learn its meaning, discuss a poem about it, meditate and experience the power of the concept through calligraphy practice.
Beginning: 初心 (shoshin)
Like the concept of ‘ending’, the idea of ‘beginning’ has an important role in the way Japanese approach life and business. Earlier we discussed that ‘becoming a master’ in Japanese culture assumes multiple trials and a number of attempts, beginnings. It is an essential wisdom in society – to keep trying, to learn and to be open to re-start again. Zen Buddhism also brought an idea of ‘beginner’s mind’ (shoshin) which means one looks at every situation as if it’s the first time he sees it. Beginner’s mind (or a mindset) allows us to approach everything with an attitude of openness, constant learning and a lack of preconceptions.
Join Azumi Uchitani for a session of Shoshin.
GUIDE – AZUMI UCHITANI
Azumi Uchitani is an Intercultural business consultant, keynote speaker, writer, artist and founder of Japanese SALON art & culture, based in the Netherlands. She is a two-times TEDx speaker, appearing Dutch TV and media and delivering talks to an international audience in Europe and in the US.
Azumi is on a mission to build an essential bridge between Japan and Europe, helping global leaders discover Japanese ancient wisdom beyond culture, teaching how to apply its wisdom in everyday life, act with inner peace and create
conscious leadership and fulfilling life. Azumi decodes the complexity of Japanese culture, tradition, philosophy, spirituality and unspoken rules into a simple essence of wisdom. She was born into a traditional spiritual Japanese family and raised with the teachings of Shingon Buddhism and Shinto. The spiritual and cultural practices, such as tea ceremony, flower arrangement, calligraphy have always been a part of her life, besides that, her grandmother was a kimono maker.
Her insights, a series of talks are available on her YouTube channel ‘5 minutes on Japanese Wisdom’ on YouTube.
http://www.azumiuchitani.com
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