West Inscription, Chinese Calligraphy, 西銘，書法 Drawing

The "Western Inscription" was a brief statement that the philosopher Zhang Zai wrote and posted on the Western wall of his study (hence its title). This brief, inspiring work became one of the fundamental expressions of the ethical views of the Confucian revival of the Tang and Song dynasties. This ancient Chinese document, the Western Inscription, invites us to orient our lives around four hamonies. Ok The harmonies are: Harmony with yourself (harmony between mind and body, inner peace, sincerity, humble self-confidence) Harmony with other people (compassionate living: healthy friendships, health family life, healthy neighborhoods) Harmony with nature (respect and care for the more than human world, care for animals, eco-communities) Harmony with Heaven (a sense of being small but included in a larger sacred whole, a deeper unity) In each instance the Harmony is fllowing and creative, not stagnant. It is is harmony-in-process. And in each instance the Harmony includes differences, like the diversity of flowers and plants and music in human life. ​ This emphasis on Harmony as creativity and diversity is relevant even to Harmony with Heaven. The unity of heaven, however understood, is a unity that includes differences. When are 'at one' with Heaven, not when assume and act as if all things must be the same, but when we live with respect for differences as well as similarities, multiplicity as well as unity. Indeed, all things under Heaven and within Heaven are felt and known in their uniqueness, their differences, as beloved members of a larger sacred whole. An appreciation of diversity-in-unity and unity-in-diversity is found in many cultural traditions and many of the world's religions.

Drawing:Ink on Paper

Original:One-of-a-kind Artwork

Size:22 W x 13 H x 1 D in

Delivery Time:Typically 5-7 business days for domestic shipments, 10-14 business days for international shipments.