Single-line Zen Buddhist koan aphorisms, or zengo, are one of the most common subjects for the traditional Japanese brush calligraphy known as shodo. Regarded as one of the key disciplines in fostering the focused, meditative state of mind so essential to Zen, shodo calligraphy is practiced regularly by all students of Zen Buddhism in Japan. After providing a brief history of Japanese calligraphy and its close relationship with the teachings of Zen Buddhism, Sato explains the necessary supplies and fundamental brushstroke skills that you'll need. He goes on to present thirty zengo, each featuring:

• An example by a skilled Zen monk or master calligrapher
• An explanation of the individual characters and the Zen koan as a whole
• Step-by-step instructions on how to paint the phrase in a number of styles (Kaisho, Gyosho, Sosho)

Shodo calligraphy topics include:

• The Art of Kanji
• The Four Treasures of Shodo
• Ideogram Zengo
• Students of Shodo