Calligraphy

Tibetan calligraphy originates in part from an ancient script, Lha-bab-yig-gé, meaning ‘script-symbols from the sky-expanse’. Written words are sacred in Tibet because they carry the knowledge of liberation.

These calligraphies can often been seen on display at Aro Ling, where their practice is taught, and originals, prints, and reproductions on greeting cards can be purchased.

The primary teacher of these ‘sky signatures’ at Aro Ling is Ngak’chang Rinpoche, who writes

“A sky signature is the ‘sky’ signing itself, within itself and out of itself. The ‘sky of one’s Being’ can ‘sign itself’ in its own dimension, but for this to come about, there has to be the experience of Mind itself as being identified with the sky; an expanse without limit. The nature of Mind is like the sky. Ideas and images that arise within it, are like clouds. Clouds appear and disappear, but the nature of the sky is unchanged. When a calligraphy can arise as freely as the play of clouds, then the sky of one’s being has signed its signature.”

The form of these ‘sky signatures’ is both ancient and modern. Their spontaneous style was first evolved by Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche from the influence of his friendship with Shunryu Suzuki Roshi. Variants of this style were later taken up by Ta’i Situ Rinpoche and other Lamas, including Ngak’chang Rinpoche, who presents this form of calligraphy in a style entirely unique in Britain.

Some more examples of his work can be seen on the Aro meditation site.