Japanese Calligraphy: Spirit

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.

Spirit: 霊 (rei)

Ideas of the supernatural and spirits evoked in many cultures as a way to make sense of the unexplainable, to define limits to what can be changed by humanity and to respect what is beyond our power. In Japan, Shinto approach to life set the stage for a rich mythology and folklore. Everyday objects as well as nature are believed to have ‘rei’ – its unique spirit. It is also common to believe that spirits of the deceased leave the body and remain living next to their family members. Even today Japanese stories about spirits are widely spread not only in traditional myths but also in video games, films, science and event technology.

Join our next calligraphy session to enjoy Japanese views on spirits living among us.

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