6 days ago3 min read

☽☾ON THE PATH TO....道☽☾

Updated: 5 days ago

☯️☯︎ HOW DO YOU PRONOUNCE THIS? ☯︎☯️

TÁO or DÁO

means people standing in the cross road, to practice their decisions.

Learning the storyies of each character on the seal

【What is 道 /táo or dáo/ ?】

道 _ ancient writing shows a human head or a person standing in the cross road to make their own path.

In other words, it's the way of life.

sending good vibes to you — ancient writing of 道

As a calligrapher, it is always my pleasure and interests to share the story behind a character.

From time to time, I get to asked about how to write certain characters by people. I never felt any offensive, uncomfortable nor irritated by these questions. Instead, I quite like to share and solve the puzzles to the public. Probably it's because I studied in mass communication in my college NCCU, everything we do is to shorten the gap between each cultures.

Last month, on 16th of November, I was participated in a cultural event "萬華大鬧熱"( part of an over 100-yrs Taoism temple festival "艋舺青山祭", 3 of the biggest Taoism events in Taipei city which is known for its famous night patrol/parade during Qing Dynasty) . A person came to my calligraphy booth asking me how to write and carve the character "道".

As you can see the picture on the left side and below, there is a human“人” or a human head“首” standing in the middle of a cross road"行".

It means people choose their own path in the cross road. To me, it doesn't matter which way you choose to go. Each direction leads to a good end, as long as you decide to walk through the path. I think this is just match the philosophy of Taoism, to practice and to experience your daily life.

We have this old saying in Taiwan_ "路是人走出來的，辦法是人想的。" meaning: "You make your own way, and out."

☯︎☯︎☯︎

Later, our good neighbor, “萬華世界下午酒場” asked me to write the sponsor lanterns for their annual events and a Taiko parade "萬華大賺吉".

Let's check the clips of the parade, >>>

The owner, Masamichi san aka 政道, came to the studio and picked a seal says "on the right path". He said this is just what he would like to achieve in Wanhua area, as an artist, an Izakaya owner, and a cultural worker.

＊photos by 政道

Which got me thinking, if I'm also on the right path, for the past 10 years and for my future?

I do this few questions before entering a new chapter and before heading to 2025.

Have I been enjoying the process of sharing my thoughts to the people from everywhere?
- Yes, this brings me most joyful moment.
Have I made few important project and exhibition as an artist?
- Yes, I've launching my arts and works to the world since 2015.
Have made friends and expand my world along the way?
- Yes, I receive all kinds of love from everywhere.
Have I become much independent and beneficial by sharing what I know?
- Yes, I get to teach and make a living from making customized services.
Have made myself much reliable as a teacher, guiding calligraphy and yoga.
- Yes, I do a full research and devote myself to teach with creativity as possible.