Concentration in Japanese Calligraphy — 5 Hand-Brushed Designs

精神統一 (seishintouitsu)

The Japanese phrase 精神統一 means "Concentration; Focus the Spirit" and is composed of the words 精神 (read seishin) meaning "mind; spirit" and 統一 (read touitsu) meaning "gather; unify".

When in Japan I visit Zen temples for what is called Seishin Toitsu which my dictionary says means "concentration". While this definition is true, it is also unsatisfactory. By stepping through the temple gate, I am transported to a world of harmony and tranquility. The temple will be, perhaps, covered in early autumn. Around me the multi-colored leaves will fall like jewels to the dew covered ground. Here there is no male and female. There is no age. There is no social standing. It is this place and this state of mind I come to when my spirit (seishin) is gathered (toitsu), when my mind (seishin) is one (toitsu). Gone are the myriad distractions and all that remains is myself, focused and attentive on the here and now. All is equal and in harmony and this transcends all.

To read the complete article visit Seishin Toitsu by Eri Takase.

Verify: 精神統一 in the Japanese-English Dictionary