Tracing the Sutra (Shakyo 写経 in Japanese, or Heart Sutra 心經 in Chinese) is calligraphy that is said to achieve mental well-being in the form of meditation, as well as to become in tune with Buddha’s teachings. By tracing each complex Asian character, shakyo is said to be effective in stabilizing the mind as the mind goes into a concentration mode while tracing. This form of meditation can help one become more present and calm, reaching a state of mindfulness and peaceful zen. During shakyo, evil thoughts such as anger and jealousy are expected to be removed because using a brush makes one focus on the ink and the movement of each stroke on paper. If the mind is disturbed, it will appear in the writing, reflecting the mental state. Understanding the history, meaning of the Sutra, and the purpose of shakyo will further one’s appreciation and motivation to practice the art of tracing the Sutra.
The Origin and the Present-day “Shakyo”
After the introduction of kanji, Buddhism was introduced to Japan in 537 (or 552 according to different theories). The construction of temples required a large amount of Buddhist scriptures, and it is said that copying of sutras began in order to meet this demand. During the era of Emperor Shomu (reigned from 724), culture greatly developed as Buddhism flourished. With the construction of Kokubunji, temples throughout the country were placed under national control, and the copying of Buddhist scriptures became popular.
It is said that for the sake of national peace, there was a major national project to copy the Sutra of the Golden Light Sutra, the Great Prajnaparamiya Sutra, the Lotus Sutra, and the Kannon Sutra.
As a result, sutra copying stations were established and organized, and sutra copiers were to take examinations to be accepted as staff. This movement is for the public copying of sutras, but it is also said that it became popular as private religious purposes to pray for the souls of individuals.
Even in modern times, the primary appeal of sutra copying is the peace of mind it provides. It continues to be enjoyed in a variety of ways:
• Copying sessions in temples
• Remembering ancestors and relatives
• Noukyo (receiving a seal of approval for shakyo)
• Writing practice at home
• Practicing details for various works (such as creating pieces to display at exhibitions)
• Training for concentration and patience
About Hannyashingyo (Heart Sutra)
The Heart Sutra is a sutra that condenses the essence of the Mahayana Sutra, which is a compilation of the teachings of Mahayana Buddhism over 600 volumes and approximately 5 million characters, into just 262 characters. This sutra was established in India, so the original text was written in Sanskrit, but the oldest existing manuscript was written in the 6th century, passed down to Horyuji Temple, and was later kept in the Tokyo National Museum. It is said that there are about seven different Chinese translations, and the one by Xuanzang of the Tang Dynasty is widely known.
The contents of the Heart Sutra include “Faith in Kanzeon Kuryu,” “Shikisokuzekuu, Kuusokuzeshiki (a belief that nothing is permanent)” and “Worship of Prajnaparamita” and the practice of trying to attain it.
1. Set up your tools and materials in the proper arrangement on the table.
2. Wash your hands and rinse your mouth to purify yourself.
3. Straighten your posture and gassho (place hands together in front of you).
4. Read the sutra.
5. Copy the sutra.
6. Make corrections.
7. Do the gassho (place hands together in front of you).
*It is also effective to burn incense to calm your mind during the process.
How to hold the brush
Tankouhou (Single hook method): Support the brush shaft with your thumb and index finger, and place your middle finger below the shaft. (This makes it easy to put strength on your fingertips and suitable for fine writing)
Soukouhou (Double hook method): Hold the shaft with your index finger, middle finger, and thumb, and support the shaft from behind with your ring finger. (You have more freedom and strength in brush strokes)
Proofreading (how to correct misprints, etc.)
• Misprint: Draw a black dot on the right side of the typo and write the correct letter immediately below it in a smaller size.
• Repeated character: If you wrote the same character twice, put a black dot on the right side of that repeated character.
• Omitted character: If you omitted a letter, put a black dot to the right of the omitted part (between the letters), write the omitted letter at the end of the line, and also put a black dot on the right side of that letter.
• Skipping a line: Even if you notice a line that you have skipped, continue writing to the end of the line and add the line that you skipped in the next line. Then, place a black dot at the top of the line spacing (above the vertical ruled line) where the line should have been, and also place a black dot at the top of the line where the line was left out.
As shakyo becomes a part of everyday life, one may be able to maintain a stress-free and relaxed state of mind. Experience the much needed quiet and serene moments to achieve harmony for the body and mind.
A way of purification:
Meaning of using Zu-koh
When zu-koh (or powder incense) first became a tradition among monks in Japan, it was originally used for religious purposes before and during a ceremony. Zu-koh uses no fire like the typical incense; it is used on the skin directly by rubbing. Monks and others that entered a temple used zu-koh to purify the hands when there was no water.
Using zu-koh on the body also meant that one is wearing the same fragrance as that of the Buddha, making one feel calm, enlightened, and assured that the evil spirits were kept away. Over time, zu-koh became a part of tradition to prepare for practicing shakyo.
Zu-koh is made from fragrant trees and herbs that has been ground down to smooth, brown fine powder. Fragrance of powder incense is typically described as being classic woody, spicy, and medicinal.
Main ingredients usually include clove, camphor, cinnamon, sandalwood, aloeswood, patchouli and spices, star anise, cassia, and other herbs.
How to use Zu-koh:
Pinch a small amount of zu-koh with the right thumb and index finger. Then place the powder onto the left palm and rub it with both hands together. Spread the powder between the fingers and the other side of the hands and wrists while thinking about purifying the mind and body. The body temperature will help spread the fragrance.
CHIË (Chie)
"Chië(Chie)" means the ability to see things as they really are and to recognize the truth. Developed for modern-day lifestyles, yet keeping true to ancient wisdom, Chie does not use synthetic oils and is made only with natural aromatic ingredients in powder form. In order to make the incense naturally, each product's burning time has not been altered or adjusted, preserving its natural qualities and uniqueness.
