Page 18 - 2023不累不飾-任容清七十書法紀念展

embarking on the path in Buddhism. The Lotus Society was the first Ren believed that the cursive script best embodied one's personalities,
bodhimaṇḍa in the central Taiwan region to propagate and uphold and those who excelled in cursive scripts possessed a poetic heart. As
both Confucianism and Buddhism. Every Wednesday morning, the Mr. Chen Qin-Zong said, "when facing the carefree and relaxed
Society held chanting sessions to study the poetry collections of sentiments of poetry and literature by predecessors, it inevitably
the Great Master Yin Guang at the Yifolu (meaning "the Buddha evokes deep thoughts and contemplation within... As the future of
Remembrance Hut"). Mr. Ren incorporated Buddhist teachings into calligraphy gradually breaks free from the restraints of traditional
his daily life through reading, recitation, and calligraphy practice. His academic literature, its direction may take countless paths and
journey in Buddhism was deeply influenced by Master Li Xue-Lu's transformations. However, if it veers towards creators lacking
principle of "single-minded concentration," as well as the Buddhism, a poetic heart and their works lose all poetic meaning, it will
Laozi, and Zhuangzi belief that "Buddhism is aesthetics." "Single- accounce the end of life for calligraphy."
minded concentration" refers to the notion that "at any given
In Yang Shou-Jing's "Beginners’ Notes to Calligraphy (Xue Shu
moment, the mind and Buddha are one, free from distractions
Er Yan)," he stated that " in learning calligraphy, there are three
and confusion. It means being completely focused and unaffected
essentials: innate talent is the most important, exposure to a
by external factors." This concept of single-minded concentration
variety of works comes next, and extensive practice follows." Mr.
in calligraphy aligns with the practice of Buddhism. The Buddhism,
Ren believed that in addition to these three, two more essentials
Laozi, and Zhuangzi belief that "Buddhism is aesthetics" suggests that
should be added, the first being refined moral qualities, and the
"the ultimate state of beauty may be achieved within the realm
second being rich scholarly knowledge. Refined moral qualities
of Buddhism, as Buddha represents the awakening of rationality.
meant writing with elegance to avoid falling victim of being
While beauty is the external projection of compassion, Buddha's
mundane and vulgar; having rich scholarly knowledge allowed
wisdom is harmonious and unrestricted, and the compassion
one to encompass a wide range of ideas, thus such scholarly
of beauty is to forget oneself and external objects… However,
aura would naturally permeate one's work. To enrich his cultural
studying scriptures, practicing meditation, burning incense,
cultivation and broaden his knowledge, Mr. Ren made the decision to
and worshiping Buddha are all actions with intentions. To truly
further pursue his studies and obtained a master's degree in Chinese
understand the mind and realize one's nature, or to attain the state
Literature from the College of Liberal Arts at National Chung Hsing
of single-minded concentration, is the true practice of non-action.
University in 2010.
Yet, to reach the state of non-action, it is necessary to first start
The true words of the human heart have been sealed away by
with intentional actions. Therefore, the establishment of study
fragments and scraps. The true melodies of the human soul have
groups to research classics is indispensable for beginners. The
been drowned out by seductive songs and dances. Scholars must
ultimate goal of Buddhism is a great harmony that encompasses
rid themselves of external distractions and seek the essence to
all things, thus it can be viewed as aesthetics." Both ideals propose
truly benefit.
achieving the state of single-minded concentration in practicing and
Excerpt from Roots of Wisdom Chapter 57: "The Marvelous
studying Buddhism and scriptures, and Mr. Ren believed and followed
Songs and Writings, Embracing One's True Nature"
such principles faithfully.
Throughout his life, Mr. Ren Rung-Ching devoted himself to
Poetry is a literary genre characterized by rhythms and rhymes,
studying the art of calligraphy and tirelessly promoted calligraphy
concise expressions, diverse structures, and its abilities to reflect life
education. His dedication and unwavering pursuit of excellence are
and convey emotions. Even though lyrics and poems may not be
truly admirable. Now, on his 70th birthday, his exhibition is held at the
one's own creations, they can still evoke emotions and create empathy
Dadun Cultural Center to commemorate over two decades teaching
when recited. Thus, Mr. Ren had hoped to express his state of mind
here at the Center. This exhibition not only fulfills Mr. Ren's life
in the moment through writing. For example, in the artwork Song of
mission before his passing, but also serves as a meaningful starting
the Triple Gem, originally written by Master Taixu and composed by
point for establishing Mr. Ren's position in the calligraphy community
Master Hongyi, Mr. Ren had expressed emotions of being moved
and future research within the field.
by the solemn and dignified rhythm through the sounds of
music, which was reminiscent of journeying monks. He felt that
calligraphy and the content being written were closely related.
Another example was after reciting works such as "Dream" and "The Curator Hsiung Ai-Lien
Folly of One Generation," tears filled his eyes, giving Mr. Ren the
urge to write. Calligraphy served as a means for “the writer to express
emotions.” It conveyed the emotions of the artist through the use of
brushstrokes, structures, and arrangements, which could powerfully
impact the viewers. In other words, the expressions of calligraphy
may vary according to the heart, as an interpretation of the soul. Mr.
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