Behaving Innocently

Yutang Lin

Calligraphy of Jin Dynasty aimed at behaving innocently,
Forms seem childish but distinct upon subtle discernment.
Purity as essence, one behaves innocently in all occasions.
Acts without intentions could bring about beneficial result.

Comments:

I have never practiced Chinese calligraphy seriously. Nevertheless, many said that they liked my Chinese calligraphy. People who had practiced Dharma for long intended to gain blessing through my Chinese calligraphy. But people who were not into Buddhism still said my Chinese calligraphy looked nice. Today disciple Wang Hao mentioned that my Chinese calligraphy matches behaving innocently, the intention of calligraphy of Chinese people during the Jin Dynasty. He said that behaving innocently in calligraphy would seem like childish writing, but the distinction would be appreciated only upon careful discernment. He also said that recently he carved a seal of "Chun Zhen" (Purity) with the intention of offering it to me because in my Dharma lectures I often mention it. I replied: Purity is the essence, and behaving innocently is the function.

Behaving innocently, and then wisdom and compassion in harmonization would reach out and spread.

Written in Chinese on March 3, 2007
Translated on March 4, 2007
El Cerrito, California

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