Get a giclee of Chinese Poem on Buddhist Teachings

Artwork Description

The Ōbaku monk Nanyuan Xingpai, better known by his Japanese name Nangen Shōha, has inscribed in vigorously brushed cursive characters a Chinese poem with four seven-character lines on Buddhist enlightenment. Befitting the outlook of a monk who lived in temples from his teens until he died, the verse suggests that the profound teachings of Ōbaku Zen Buddhism, though hard to fathom as the deepest seas, can offer respite from woes and suffering that life in the everyday world entails.The poem can be tentatively deciphered and translated as follows處世長懷済世心門開日即雨平臨青囊拈出藥千種妙訣還同海樣深Amid the affairs of the world, ffocus your mind on saving people. When the gate is unlocked, rain falls on all indiscriminately. Even if one seeks a thousand cures from a doctor’s blue satchel. The secret to removing suffering remains as profound as the seas.(Trans. Xiaohan Du)In his calligraphy Nanyuan followed the style of his master Yinyuan, and adheres to the conventions of bold, cursive Ming styles adopted by so many in the Ōbaku lineage in Japan. Though briskly brushed, the characters are evenly spaced and arranged in clearly demarcated columns. The general impression is one of orderliness overall, but with spontaneity for each character. The work is dated to the summer of 1666, when the monk was 35 years old.Nanyuan Xingpai, born with the surname Lin 林 in Fuzhou prefecture of Fujian province, began his religious training at age fourteen in Mount Huangbo (Japanese: Ōbaku) in China. He studied there with Yinyuan Longqi (later known by the Japanese pronunciation of his name, Ingen Ryūki), and in 1654 followed his master to Japan. He became a dharma successor to Yinyuan in 1671, and founded various Ōbaku sect branch temples in Japan, and served at Kokubunji in Osaka 大阪国分寺 beginning in 1680. He is also recognized for his work revitalizing Shōkōji 正興寺. Not only was he an expert calligrapher in the Ming-infused Ōbaku style, as this example demonstrates, he established a reputation for being a talented poet and prose writer.

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Artist Biography

biography of nanyuan xingpai (1631-1692)

nanyuan xingpai, also known as nangen shōha, was a chinese buddhist monk who emigrated to japan. born in china in 1631, he died in japan in 1692. he was a prominent figure in the ōbaku sect of zen buddhism, which was established in japan in 1661.

artistic contributions

nanyuan xingpai is known for his ink paintings on paper, often with buddhist themes or poetry. his works are characterized by their simplicity and expressiveness, reflecting the zen emphasis on meditation and intuition.

chinese poem on buddhist teachings (26 x 55 cm, paper) - this painting features a chinese poem with four seven-character lines on buddhist enlightenment, showcasing nanyuan xingpai's skill in calligraphy.
handscroll of calligraphy by ōbaku zen monks (28.5cm x 1063.0cm, paper) - this handscroll comprises dynamic calligraphies by forty-two different monks, including nanyuan xingpai, highlighting his contribution to the ōbaku sect.
monk riding backwards on a water buffalo (1687, hanging scroll; ink on paper) - this painting, created by yamaguchi sekkei with an inscription by nanyuan xingpai, depicts a chinese monk riding a water buffalo, symbolizing spiritual insight and friendship.

museums featuring nanyuan xingpai's work

the metropolitan museum of art - features an extensive collection of zen art, including works by nanyuan xingpai.
the cleveland museum of art - houses the painting "monk riding backwards on a water buffalo," which showcases nanyuan xingpai's calligraphy skills.

importance in the art world

nanyuan xingpai's contributions to the ōbaku sect of zen buddhism have had a lasting impact on the art world. his emphasis on simplicity and expressiveness continues to inspire artists, making him a significant figure in the history of zen art.

view nanyuan xingpai's artwork on ArtsDot.com
explore more about ōbaku zen monks and their influence on japanese art at the zen art movement

conclusion

nanyuan xingpai's legacy as a chinese buddhist monk and artist continues to be celebrated through his ink paintings on paper, which embody the principles of zen buddhism. his contributions to the ōbaku sect have left an indelible mark on the art world, inspiring future generations of artists.

nanyuan xingpai

1631 - 1692 , China

Quick Facts

Artistic Movement Or Style: Zen Art
Artists Who Influenced This Artist: ['Yinyuan Longqi']
Date Of Death: 1692
Full Name: nanyuan xingpai
Nationality: Chinese
Notable Artworks:
- Chinese Poem on Compassion
- Handscroll of calligraphy by Ōbaku zen monks
- Monk riding backwards on a water buffalo
Place Of Birth: China (WahooArt)

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Chinese Poem on Buddhist Teachings

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