Self-Motivation

CHINA; Ming dynasty

Chan Master Ziyan wrote this motto to motivate himself in his Buddhist practice. The excessive and unrestrained style in this piece, influenced by the wild cursive script calligraphy of monk Huaisu, is so striking and powerful that it is said to “awake the birds and frighten the snakes.” Strokes comprising any given character are joined together in one continuous line and scripted in a carefree and unwieldy manner. Each character is itself spacious and smoothly written despite the overall rushed appearance. The combination of dots and lines with a contrast of heavy and light strokes forms a composition of lively and energetic calligraphy.
Ziyan, also known as Langruo or Xilin, was a Chan master and calligrapher of the Ming dynasty (1368–1644) who renounced in Zushan Temple. He was skilled in writing cursive script and produced calligraphy that often emulated a similar charm and quintessence to that found in the works of Huaisu. In addition, he was an adept painter of landscapes, bamboo, and orchids.