Put in simple words shakyo practice is a means of sutra copying. This practice plays a pivotal role in doing the Japanese calligraphy. Shakyo practice is primarily a meditative discipline that emphasizes on copying the Buddhist sutras. This practice aims to deepen one's understanding of the Shodo which is the Art of the Brush.
This practice begins as the brush meditation which is easy to practice and imbibe. It incorporates writing down the characters of the sutra word by word in the moments of silence. The writing is done with the help of a brush in complete awareness. As the writing progresses, the words of the blessed one enters your being and in turn come on to the blank sheet of paper in the form of kanji.
It is essential to understand that shakyo practice forms an integral part of the Tendai Buddhism. It's a well known fact that Tendai Buddhism has the lotus sutra as its foundation. This simply indicates that the shakyo practice in Tendai Buddhism involves the copying of the lotus sutra by its practitioners.
The implementation of the shakyo practice is dependent on the form of Buddhism. This means that it is followed in a different manner in the different forms of Buddhism. In fact, the methods of the shakyo practice are different for various temples as well. In Tendai Buddhism, the shakyo practice is quite complicated and can be carried on for days at stretch.
Generally, the shakyo practice in the Tendai philosophy involves the copying of the lotus sutra for three days. After the copy of the sutra is ready, it is presented at the head temple Enryakuji. This temple as located at Mt. Hiei is considered to be a solemn place for the Tendai sect. This session takes place every July followed by a ceremony famously called as the Nyoho Shakyo Kai.
The shakyo practice of the Tendai Buddhism helps instill the teachings of the lotus sutra into the being of the practitioners. Copying the sutras in Tendai Buddhism is also a means to spread the mystic law further. The shakyo practice goes a long way in upholding the lotus sutra by propagating its principle of reading, reciting, expounding and copying the sutra.
Traditionally, the materials required for the shakyo practice were leaves, barks and clothes. However, in the present times paper is used for the same. It is said that the best benefit of the shakyo practice in the Tendai Buddhism can be derived by copying the sutra with help of a brush. This helps the practioner awaken the Buddha nature lying dormant in the inner self and hence helps in the attainment of the Buddhahood.
If you are a firm believer in the Tendai philosophy, it makes sense to follow the insightful method of the shakyo practice.
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