Fo Guang Shan Monastery: Characters - One Flower a World, One Leaf a Buddha

TAIWAN, Kaohsiung

This panel reading “One Flower a World, One Leaf a Buddha” implies seeing the whole from a part, indicating how a simple flower or a leaf as observed in daily life can represent a pathway or initial step towards the realization of Buddhahood. Master Hsing Yun states that all phrases for calligraphic inscription must go through repeated consideration and selection. This particular phrase, often suggestive of the active search for positive value and a positive state of mind, clearly demonstrates his encouragement.
The tranquility of the panel is apparent in the four occurrences of the character “yi” (one), which is written as a short horizontal stroke. However, there is variety in the thicknesses and beginnings of each stroke, reflecting the overall stable and artistic quality of the entire piece. The alternation and arrangement of the regular, running, and cursive styles are also notable. There is no obvious skipping in the flying white effect used, despite the rapidity with which the brush was applied. Thus the overall piece maintains a sense of composure. This aspect is indicative of the artists’s diligent practice and inner peace, which is unrestrained by rules.