Film: Calligraphy Master (China)

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00:00:00: SOUND UP; [MUSIC PLAYS]; MASTER FA QING: [CAPTIONED, TRANSLATED] Chinese history noticed the relationship between man and nature. This relationship is best described as one of respect.; [MUSIC PLAYS]; CHARLIE: Thank you.; MASTER FA QING: [CAPTIONED, TRANSLATED] Tea has a great meaning in Chinese culture. In modern times, the whole country lost a lot of traditions, and we lost some traditional wisdom. But today, Chinese people have awakened. We’re again looking within and using traditional teachings in our modern life.; [MUSIC PLAYS]; CHARLIE: Tell me a little bit about calligraphy.; MASTER FA QING: [CAPTIONED, TRANSLATED] All human hardship comes from the fact that people are living lives that are too complex. This gets in the way of happiness. Writing calligraphy allows us to return to simplicity. Calligraphy is not to express something externally, but is meant to be an internal meditation.; SOUND OF PAPER RUSTLING
00:02:07: MASTER FA QING: [CAPTIONED, TRANSLATED] Calligraphy is the most efficient way for Chinese people to meditate. As you write, you should have a very clear and calm mind. Chinese use a very soft brush to write. This tells us that the strongest force is softness.; SOUND OF STAMPING SEAL ONTO WAX; MASTER FA QING: [CAPTIONED, TRANSLATED] As we practice we will find the power of softness.; [MUSIC PLAYS]
00:03:23: CHARLIE: What does it say?; MASTER FA QING:[CAPTIONED, TRANSLATED] This is a poem by a great Master. It tells us that everything we see in front of our eyes is about how we feel in the heart. Everything in nature has good, evil, ugliness and beauty. It is the heart that distinguishes the difference between beauty and evil. Once you know the truth of your heart, everything is understood.; MUSIC PLAYS; MASTER FA QING: [in Chinese]; TRANSLATOR: Do you like it?; CHARLIE: Yes.; TRANSLATOR: [in Chinese]; MASTER FA QING: [in Chinese]; TRANSLATOR: I present you…; CHARLIE: Thank you, thank you.; [APPLAUSE]; CHARLIE: Xie Xie.; [MUSIC PLAYS]; END OF FILM

Now Viewing: Calligraphy Master

Master Fa Qing is a philosopher, calligrapher, and Buddhist monk who believes that calligraphy and other spiritual arts allow us to simplify our lives, opening up a door to happiness in a world where complexity often works against it.