Focus Your Mind to a Single Point: The World of “Concentration” by Calligrapher Shourin Iwasaki

The black ink dances across the white paper.

With powerful yet flowing brushstrokes, I present to you a calligraphy work titled “Concentration” by calligrapher Shourin Iwasaki.
Within these two characters lies something precious that we, living in modern times, are beginning to forget.

＼　岩﨑翔凛のSTORESはこちら！　／

The Power Within the Word “Concentration”

When you see the word “concentration” (集中), what comes to mind?

Concentration means to gather your heart and consciousness to a single point.
It is the act of bundling scattered thoughts, sweeping away distractions, and pouring your entire being into this very moment.
In the tea ceremony, it’s expressed as “一期一会：ichigo ichie” (one time, one meeting); in Zen, as “只管打坐：shikantaza” (just sitting).
It represents the very essence of Eastern philosophy—a state of ultimate focus.

When you gaze at this work, you can almost hear the breath of the calligrapher holding the brush.
The spirit and serenity embedded in each stroke—this is proof that the artist himself embodied the word “concentration” as his brush moved across the paper.

The Power to Gather and the Beauty of Center, Carved in Ink

The character “集” (gather) in “concentration” depicts three birds gathering on a tree.
Things that were scattered come together as one.
There exists a power of attraction, a centripetal force at work.

Meanwhile, “中” (center) represents a rod penetrating through the middle of a square enclosure, carrying meanings of center, hitting the mark.
In other words, “concentration” is the act of converging scattered energy toward a single central point—an act that is both profoundly dynamic and static.

Look at Shourin Iwasaki’s “Concentration.”
The left character “集” pulses with energy, as if countless thoughts are converging into one.
The right character “中” expresses the strength of that gathered power piercing through a single core.
The two characters are positioned as if in dialogue, powerfully drawing the viewer’s attention.

Life’s Defining Moments Created by Concentration

Since ancient times, numerous expressions related to “concentration” have been born.

“Senshin-shūchū” (専心集中)—devoting one’s heart to a single matter, disregarding all else.

“Shūchū hōka” (集中砲火, concentrated fire)—metaphorically, focusing all one’s energy on a single target.

Four-character idioms like “精神統一：seishin tōitsu” (spiritual unity) and “一心不乱：isshin furan” (with undivided attention) are also alternative expressions of concentration.
Without presence of mind, nothing can be accomplished.
Only through concentration are skills refined, paths opened, and beauty born.

The moment an athlete enters “the zone,” the time a craftsman confronts his work, the instant a musician becomes one with their instrument—these are all miracles created by ultimate concentration.

What the Art of Calligraphy Teaches Us

Calligraphy is an art form that cultivates “concentration” itself.

Once the brush touches the paper, there is no turning back.
No rewrites, no corrections are possible.
That is why calligraphers, before taking up the brush, settle their hearts, regulate their breathing, and sharpen their awareness.
And in a moment of concentration, they let the ink flow.

From Shourin Iwasaki’s work, you can sense both this tension and release.
The momentum of the brush, the bleeding of the ink, the beauty of negative space—everything appears calculated, yet simultaneously harbors a serendipity that could only be born in that precise moment.
This is the very charm of calligraphy as an art form.

The Beauty of Analog, Especially in the Digital Age

Smartphone notifications, social media timelines, endless email exchanges—the modern world overflows with information competing for our attention.
We’re required to multitask, constantly feeling as if we’re being chased by something.

That is precisely why now, the word “concentration” shines with renewed brilliance.

Time spent carefully engaging with one thing.
The quietude of letting go of distractions and confronting the self that exists here and now.
Shourin Iwasaki’s calligraphy works serve as a compass for the soul, reminding us of such precious time.

These two characters of “Concentration” hanging on your wall might bring a dignified atmosphere to your daily life.
Seeing this work in the morning could help you center yourself at the start of the day.
Gazing at it before work or study could help you switch into focus mode.
Such uses are entirely possible.

Calligrapher Shourin Iwasaki creates works daily that cherish traditional calligraphic techniques while weaving in contemporary sensibilities.
On Instagram (@iwasaki_shourin), he shares his creative process, new work announcements, and thoughts on calligraphy.

Please follow to incorporate the beautiful world woven by ink and paper into your daily life.

＼　岩﨑翔凛のInstagramはこちら！　／

For Those Who Want to Know More About Shourin Iwasaki’s World

And now, Shourin Iwasaki’s calligraphy works, including “Concentration” introduced here, are available for purchase at his online shop “STORES.”

For your room, your office, or as a gift for someone special—each piece, written with heartfelt care, awaits an encounter with its new owner.
The authentic breath of the brush, the fragrance of ink, the texture of paper—please experience firsthand the presence unique to calligraphy that cannot be conveyed digitally.

To focus your mind to a single point.

This may be the oldest yet newest wisdom for surviving this chaotic age.

May Shourin Iwasaki’s “Concentration” bring quiet strength to your life.

＼　岩﨑翔凛のSTORESはこちら！　／