Shittan refers to the writing of siddham or bonji: Sanskrit mantric characters used in Buddhist practice.

 

Visualizing these characters is an important part of mikkyo practice. Bonji are also used on protective talismans (omamori and ofuda) created by Zen priests, such as those offered by Korinji each year. The characters representing various buddhas, bodhisattvas, and deities are not viewed as merely symbolic, but rather visual manifestations of those very figures. The practice is thus approached with great reverence and a meditative mind.

Shabutsu - "buddha drawing" -  is an art of tracing images from Buddhist iconography using brush and ink.

 

It requires concentration and calmness, and for the artist to join with the image by entering the meditative state. The goal is not merely to produce a beautiful image on paper, but to arise oneself as the very figure being brushed.

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Please see the Calendar for upcoming classes in these arts.