Shakyo: sacred words of the Heart sutra

Shakyo is the Buddhist art of brush meditation, offered at most temples. While writing out each character of the Hannya Shingyo, or Heart sutra, you’re meant to enter a meditative state. Make a wish before you start, and keep thinking about your wish as you persevere through the exercise. To make things easier, you’ll be given a sample that you can trace over. Depending on the temple, you’ll be able to do this in your room at your own leisure, or in a hall with other guests at a specified hour. If you hand it to one of the monks, they’ll make an offering of it the next day during the morning service.

July 05, 2016