Bokuseki (墨跡) is a Japanese term meaning âÂÂink traceâÂÂ, and refers to a form of Japanese calligraphy (shodà Â) and more specifically a style of zenga developed by Zen monks.
Bokuseki is often characterized by bold, assertive, and often abstract brush strokes meant to demonstrate the calligrapherâÂÂs pure state of mind (see Samadhi). The aim in making Bokuseki is to represent oneâÂÂs single-moment awareness by brushing each word or passage with a single breath, ultimately realizing Zen and manifesting oneâÂÂs zazen practice into physical and artistic action. Fundamentally bokuseki is a reflection of oneâÂÂs spontaneous action (see: Buddha-nature, katsu) free from oneâÂÂs superficial or rationally oriented mind.