Japanese Calligraphy – ‘compassion’
Details
This is a series of workshops designed by Azumi Uchitani to explore Japanese culture through the art of calligraphy and language. We will meet bi-weekly, slowly moving from season to season and uncovering new characters, rituals, concepts and beliefs deeply rooted in Japanese lifestyle. Each event we will centre around a new symbol: we will learn its meaning, discuss a poem about it, meditate and experience the power of the concept through calligraphy practice.
### Compassion, mercy: 慈悲 (jihi)
In our next Japanese Calligraphy session, we will explore the beautiful and profound kanji 慈悲 (jihi)—a word that combines 慈 (ji), meaning loving-kindness or benevolence, and 悲 (hi), meaning sorrow or empathy for suffering. Together, they form one of the most meaningful expressions of compassion and mercy in Japanese and Buddhist culture.
In Japan, jihi goes far beyond a feeling—it represents an ethical and spiritual practice. It is the active willingness to feel another’s pain and respond with warmth, care, and humility. Mercy (hi) is not seen as pity but as a shared human connection, recognizing the fragility of life. Compassion (ji) is a quiet force, often expressed in small, everyday acts of kindness and respect that preserve harmony and dignity.
Through the slow, meditative art of shodō (Japanese calligraphy), we will reflect on this concept not just intellectually, but physically—feeling the balance, flow, and energy of each stroke. Whether you’re new to calligraphy or returning, this session offers a chance to engage deeply with the spirit of jihi, and to experience how writing can be both a personal and cultural exploration of care.
Please, note:
- If you want to stay in touch and receive informative emails from LEVEL, please, sign-up for our Newsletter.
- This event is available at no cost to our members. To join us for free and to enjoy other benefits - we invite you to become a member.
GOOD NEWS:
LEVEL is now available on app! We invite you to join our community on Mighty.
Why join us on Mighty?
✅ Stay connected—Follow our event calendar & register with ease.
✅ Join live with one click—No more hunting for links or checking emails for updates.
✅ Engage with a community—Discuss ideas, share insights, and learn together.
✅ Totally free to join!
Japanese Calligraphy – ‘compassion’