Hello, this is Emiko.H.

Today I'd like to share a little about shakyo (sutra copying).

Can you believe we're already halfway through 2026?

The first half of this year brought
some of the biggest life changes
I've ever experienced.

Every day seemed to bring something new.
There were many changes in my relationships, 

and I unexpectedly reconnected with people from my past.

It truly reminded me that

when one door closes,
another opens.

Looking back,

I almost feel like the person writing
this column today is completely different
from the one who went to see
Zootopia 2 on New Year's Day ( ˘ω˘ )

Over the past few months,

I've come to appreciate
the importance of simply slowing down.

One of my favorite ways to do that
has been shakyo.

Traditionally,
shakyo has been practiced
as a form of Buddhist devotion.

Today, however,

many people simply enjoy it
as a peaceful and mindful activity.

In Japan,

some people even consider it
part of what we casually call
"supi-katsu"
(spiritual activities),

along with collecting temple stamps
or visiting shrines and temples.

As for me,

I enjoy collecting crystal points
(yes, I even ring a tuning fork!),

using aromatherapy,

burning incense,

and drinking herbal tea.

Shakyo fits perfectly
into that kind of quiet time.

When people hear the word shakyo,

many imagine tracing characters.

However,

the character 写 (sha)
means "to copy."

Traditionally,

people carefully copied
each character
while looking at an original sutra.

Because your eyes constantly move
between the model
and your own writing,

it requires more concentration
than simple tracing.

It is more challenging,

but also far more rewarding.

That deep concentration
is exactly what inspired me
to create this lesson.

This summer,

why not spend some time
with about 270 carefully written characters?

All you need
is your favorite pen or pencil.

Enjoy this centuries-old practice

in the comfort of your
cool, air-conditioned room.

Ancient tradition
and modern comfort
make a surprisingly good combination!

As you write,

you'll pay attention
to every stroke,

its length,

angle,

curves,

and spacing.

One of the most enjoyable parts
of shakyo is asking yourself,

"How can I make this character
even closer to the model?"

Of course,

many details are difficult
to notice on your own.

During the lesson,

I'll guide you
through those subtle points.

With a professional eye
to support you,

you'll gradually develop
the ability to truly see characters.

Before long,

simply observing beautiful handwriting
may become fascinating
in ways you never expected ٩( 'ω' )و

If you've been thinking
about starting something new
this summer,

or finding a relaxing new hobby,

I hope you'll give it a try.

I've also prepared
several summer special lesson packages,

so please feel free
to visit my lesson page.

I hope to see you soon!