The Principles of Nature and the Way of Budō

by Paul Budden

I’ve always been fascinated by the expression ‘Pen and Sword in Accord’ here some further reference for Budō & shodō. Which is quite fascinating, but I know very little about shodō.

Here a deeper and culturally accurate breakdown of each kanji for ‘The Principles of Nature and the Way of Budō.’

1. The kanji
2. Furigana (reading)
3. Literal translation
4. Nuance in Budō and Japanese philosophy
5. How a calligrapher might interpret it in shodō (書道)

1. 無常（むじょう — Mujō）

Literal meaning: Impermanence; transience of all things.

Budō nuance:

• Recognition that every strike, breath, and moment passes.
• Teaches detachment, adaptability, and awareness of time’s flow.

In shodō:

• Written with flowing, slightly asymmetrical brushwork to suggest change and movement.
• The “無” (nothingness) can be elongated to convey spaciousness.

2. 静寂（せいじゃく — Seijaku）

Literal meaning: Silence; tranquillity; stillness.

Budō nuance:

• The calm centre within movement — akin to zanshin (残心).
• A state of awareness that is undisturbed by chaos.

In shodō:

• Often brushed with wide spacing and controlled pressure.
• “静” (quiet) may be written lighter, “寂” (loneliness) darker — showing serenity arising from solitude

3. 浄化（じょうか — Jōka）

Literal meaning: Purification; cleansing; refinement.

Budō nuance:

• Training as a process of purifying the body and spirit.
• Repetition burns away ego and hesitation.

In shodō:

• Vertical strokes are drawn firm and straight — signifying moral clarity.
• The rhythm should feel “cleansing,” like clear water running.

4. 調和（ちょうわ — Chōwa）

Literal meaning: Harmony; balance; accord.

Budō nuance:

• Blending with force rather than opposing it (aiki).
• The unity of timing, distance, and intention.

In shodō:

• Balanced and even — right and left radicals in symmetry.
• A calligrapher may create a circular composition to suggest continuous flow.

5. 自然（しぜん — Shizen）

Literal meaning: Nature; naturalness; spontaneous order.

Budō nuance:

• Acting without artifice — movement that arises naturally, without resistance.
• The mature state of mushin (無心 — no-mind).

In shodō:

• Brushed freely with open space and natural variation.
• Each stroke should look alive, as if written by wind or flowing water.

6. 陰陽（いんよう — In’yō）

Literal meaning: Yin and Yang; complementary dualities.

Budō nuance:

• The rhythm of advance and retreat, strength and softness.
• Understanding that opposites coexist — both needed for harmony.

In shodō:

• Contrasts in light and heavy brush pressure; thick and thin lines symbolizing balance.
• The brushstroke itself expresses duality — dark ink on white paper.

Overall Calligraphic Vision

A Japanese calligrapher would likely:

• Arrange these six kanji pairs vertically, perhaps in one scroll (kakejiku).
• Use balance and breathing space (間 ma) between each to reflect the philosophical rhythm.
• Choose a semi-cursive (行書) or grass script (草書) style for natural flow.

Copyright © 2025 Paul Budden