In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, we often find ourselves constantly chasing after “something special.”
New excitements, dramatic changes, visible achievements…
Yet, when we stop and take a breath, we realize that what truly heals our hearts from the core is actually the simple fact of living Safely—having nothing disruptive happen at all.
The artwork I would like to introduce today is a piece where I breathed life into a blank sheet of paper with two characters: “Safely” (無事 – Buji).
Let us unwind the deep meaning behind this calligraphy and the quiet message it whispers to those of us living in the modern world.
＼ 岩﨑翔凛のSTORESはこちら！ ／
“Safely” in Zen — The Ultimate State of Knowing Contentment
When we use the word “Safely” in daily life, it usually carries a literal meaning like “without accident” or “in good health.”
While that is undoubtedly wonderful, the roots of this word in Zen philosophy embody a much deeper and more beautiful spirituality.
In Zen, living Safely (Buji / Buji Kore Kinin) means “a state of perfect nature where absolutely nothing needs to be added or altered.”
It means not trying to force something extra onto yourself, not over-decorating who you are, and letting go of the obsession to achieve things by force.
It is about letting your mind be entirely unchained, just existing as it is.
Zen teaches us that this very state is the most noble and fulfilling way to be as a human being.
Beautiful Expressions Enclosing “Safely”
This sense of living Safely has been deeply rooted in the Japanese aesthetic and philosophy of life since ancient times.
Here are a few traditional expressions that capture it:
Buji Kore Kinin (無事是貴人) — The Noble Person Lives Safely As They Are A famous saying by Linji Yixuan, the founder of the Rinzai sect of Zen. It means, “The most noble person is the one who does not seek enlightenment outside themselves, but remains natural and free of affectation.” Here lies the ultimate validation: you are perfect just as you are.
Heion-Buji (平穏無事) — Living Safely and Peacefully A state where no stormy waves rise, and everything is tranquil. This is the ultimate peace. A day that might seem ordinary or even boring at first glance is, in reality, a accumulation of miracles.
Buji-Sokusaee (無事息災) — Living Safely and in Good Health Living in good health without encountering illness or disaster. When we pray for our loved ones to live Safely and well, a warm, heartfelt prayer resides within us.
The Story Behind the Brushstrokes of “Safely”
In this specific piece of “Safely” that I ground the ink and picked up the brush for, I focused on a powerful presence combined with the “beauty of empty space” that accepts everything.
The first character, “無” (Non-existence/Free), is placed somewhat lightly, as if fluttering in the wind.
At a glance, the brushstrokes look free and uninhibited, but within the gradations and dry-brush textures of the ink lies a deep serenity, as if firmly rooted into the earth.
Then comes the character “事” (Matter/Happening).
The powerful vertical stroke through the center sharply pulls the entire artwork together.
The final stroke sweeps out without hesitation—forceful yet gentle.
It feels as though it holds the energy to embrace and sublimate all the daily events and happenings of life.
In the morning light filtering into the room, my eyes meet this piece. My restless mind gently settles into a calm state. “Ah, I am alive and here today. That itself is enough.” The scent of the ink washes away the noise of the surroundings.
This piece is not just “written characters.”
It is a medium designed to create a “space of silence” in your environment.
I hope it serves as a guide for you to slow down the hectic pace of daily life and deepen your breath.
Behind the Scenes of Creation: Connecting Through Instagram
Calligraphy is a mirror that reflects the landscape of my mind at that exact moment.
Even for the same word “Safely,” the piece I write tomorrow will surely show a completely different expression.
On my official Instagram, in addition to the “Safely” piece introduced today, I regularly share a glimpse of new artworks full of presence, videos of the exact moments the brush moves across the paper, and personal insights gained while facing the art of calligraphy.
- For those who want to feel the energy held within characters
- For those who wish to add a modern touch of Japanese essence to their interior
- For those looking for a moment of peace to take a deep breath in daily life
Please follow my Instagram account and let us enjoy this monochrome world woven by ink and brush together.
I hope to bring a touch of color and peace of mind to your daily life.
📸 Shourin Iwasaki Official Instagram
👉 https://www.instagram.com/iwasaki_shourin/
＼ 岩﨑翔凛のInstagramはこちら！ ／
Bring Genuine Calligraphy to Your Life: STORES Online Shop Now Open
I am thrilled to announce the grand opening of my Official Online Shop (STORES), specializing in the calligraphy artworks of Shourin Iwasaki, which has been highly requested by many.
In this modern era flooded with digital text, I truly want people to experience the “warmness of hand-painted ink,” the “texture of traditional Japanese paper,” and the “raw energy” transmitted through brush pressure right in their homes or offices.
Starting with the “Safely” piece introduced today, the shop offers a curated lineup including compact framed works perfect for easy decorating, traditional hanging scrolls that become the centerpiece of a room, and modern art calligraphy that matches contemporary interiors.
Each piece is crafted with utmost devotion.
- Want to decorate your living room or entrance with art that calms the mind
- Looking for a gift for a loved one’s milestone, wishing them to live Safely and healthy
- Want to keep the spirit of “Buji Kore Kinin” in sight to ground yourself daily
If this resonates with you, please open the door to our new shop.
Every single piece is a one-of-a-kind creation infused with soul.
May you encounter the destiny-bound piece that is waiting just for you.
🛍️ Shourin Iwasaki Calligraphy Art Online Shop (STORES)
👉 https://shourin-iwasaki.stores.jp/
＼ 岩﨑翔凛のSTORESはこちら！ ／
Closing Thoughts
Living Safely is by no means something we should take for granted.
We all live through these turbulent times with all our might every single day.
That is precisely why I want you to look at this calligraphy at the end of the day and let the tension drop from your shoulders.
If my calligraphy can serve as a small amulet for your everyday life to continue Safely, I could not be happier as an artist.
Thank you so very much for reading to the end.
May today be a rich, peaceful day for you to live Safely.
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