Zen master Fukushima Keido to discuss 'The Way of Zen'

By Liam Otten

Sometimes it's not what you say, but how you say it. And sometimes it's not only the words written, but also the experienced hand that guides the pen, capturing in ink and paper the speed and elegance of thought itself.

Witness the ancient art of Zen calligraphy, which in many ways embodies the Buddhist view of the word as not only a vehicle for logical processing, but as a vessel for artistic expression and aid to spiritual meditation. Zen paintings often include poems, comments or conundrums (koans), with both word and image characterized by bold brushwork designed to freeze the viewer in a moment of appreciation.

Zen master Fukushima Keido, chief abbot of the Tofuku-ji Temple in Kyoto, Japan, will speak on “The Way of Zen” at the Gallery of Art in Steinberg Hall.

Few know this better than Zen master Fukushima Keido, chief abbot of the Tofuku-ji Temple in Kyoto, one of Japan's largest, oldest (construction began in 1236) and most revered shrines. At 6 p.m. today, Keido will speak on "The Way of Zen" at the Gallery of Art in Steinberg Hall.

Keido also was scheduled to give a demonstration on "The Art of Zen Calligraphy" March 14 at the Saint Louis Art Museum.

"We have had the very great honor of hosting Fukushima twice before, and each visit has proven a revelation," said Mark S. Weil, Ph.D., the E. Desmond Lee Professor for Collaboration in the Arts and director the Gallery of Art. "We are extremely fortunate to again welcome so profound an artist and spiritual thinker."

Weil added that the continuing relationship between Keido and St. Louis has been made possible by the efforts of several local scholars, including Steven Owyoung, curator of Asian arts at the Saint Louis Art Museum; Rebecca Copeland, Ph.D., director of the University's East Asian Studies Program in Arts & Sciences; and Ahmet Karamustafa, Ph.D., director of the Religious Studies Program in Arts & Sciences. Additional support for the visit comes from the Department of Art History and Archaeology in Arts & Sciences.

For more information about the lecture, call 935-4523.