Lotus Sutra Samadhi of Master Zhiyi

CHINA; Qing dynasty

Master Zhiyi, the Patriarch of the Tiantai school, studied the Lotus Sutra samadhi teachings of Chan Master Huisi during a visit to Dasushan in Guandong. There, while reciting the Lotus Sutra, he achieved sudden realization upon reaching a verse in the “Chapter on the Past Deeds of Bhaisajyaraja Bodhisattva.” He claims to have had a vision of himself together with Huisi on Vulture Peak, listening to the Buddha teaching the Dharma. This story was recorded and scripted by Liu Yong here.
The character strokes consist of a natural variation of thick and thin lines that are fluidly executed, demonstrating the calligrapher’s competent command of the brush. The upright and cautious calligraphic style contributes to the bold and broad brushstrokes. There are no protracted stroke lines or extended endings, which is an appealing element.
Liu Yong was also known as Chongru and was posthumously regarded as Wenqing. He was a Qing dynasty (1644–1911) calligrapher from Zhucheng, Shandong who was highly knowledgeable and skilled in calligraphy. His calligraphic works tended to be thickly inked with vigorous strokes. As Liu Yong served as an official up to the rank of Prime Minister, he was affectionately referred to as the Prime Minister with Thick Strokes.