Pause.
Set your materials down. Notice your breath before the first line.
SAGYEONG · MINDFUL TRACING
One brushstroke. One breath.
Meet the patient attention of Sagyeong through a quiet tracing practice. Start with a single line, and give it your full attention.
Attention, through a single line.
Sagyeong is rooted in the devoted copying of sacred texts in Asian Buddhist traditions. Here, we introduce the patient attention of that tradition through a contemporary mindful tracing exercise.
This decorative lotus is a contemporary motif, not a historical sacred text. Approach the tradition with respect, and let the exercise be an introduction to careful looking and unhurried movement.
Trace slowly with your mouse or finger.
A contemporary practice motif. Your drawing stays in this browser and is cleared when you leave.
Trace.
Follow one line slowly. Return your attention when it wanders.
Layer.
Let the wash dry, then add a second layer with the same care.
A MOMENT FOR A SINGLE LINE
Slow down. Follow a line.
Let a small page be enough. Notice the movement of your hand and return to the line at your own pace.
THE MATERIALS FOR A QUIET PRACTICE
Prepare a place for the line.
Leave room on the sheet.
Choose paper suited to the paint and make a test line first. The practice motif on this page can be downloaded as a guide for your own contemporary tracing study.
Let the tip lead.
A brush with a controllable tip makes a simple line easier to follow. Try a light touch and an unhurried pace; pause whenever you need to.
Begin with one color.
Prepare your pan or powder according to its instructions. One color keeps the first exercise focused on the line and the way the material moves.
The practice is an introduction to attentive drawing. The decorative motif is not a sacred text, and traditional Sagyeong has its own cultural and religious context.
Choose the right preparation ↗