Shakyo Calligraphy Workshops - Photos

On Saturday 26 April 2025, we held three fully-booked Shakyo workshops for our members and friends, led by London-based calligrapher Yoko Takenami.

Photographs below capture moments from the workshops, highlighting the atmosphere of quiet focus and participants' engagement with the Shakyo – the meditative practice of hand-copying Buddhist sutras.

Participants began by learning basic brush techniques and writing Chinese characters symbolising Buddhist wisdom, before moving on to transcribe excerpts from sacred texts using a traditional fude-pen. Under Yoko’s gentle guidance, participants were introduced not only to the practice itself but also to the historical and cultural significance of Shakyo within the context of Japanese calligraphy and spirituality.

We, along with the participants, greatly appreciated the opportunity to explore this mindful tradition, and we extend our sincere thanks to Yoko Takenami for sharing her knowledge and expertise.