Ink for Mettā

Article Information

Creative Arts Educ Ther (2020) 6(2):187–199 DOI: 10.15212/CAET/2020/6/5

Ink for Mettā

墨‧映

Abstract

“Ink for Mettā” is the integration of Chinese calligraphy and mettā meditation in the practice of expressive arts therapy. Chinese calligraphy is a traditional form of writing with aesthetic appreciation value, and it is one of the Buddhist meditative practices for enhancing self-awareness. Mettā meditation is a Buddhist tradition of fostering loving kindness with an altruistic view from self toward others. Instead of tackling any emotions or thoughts arising during both practices, we should acknowledge them and return to the present moment of practice. The practices leave room for expressive arts therapy to explore the unattended emotions and thoughts for furthering well-being. The integrative use of Chinese calligraphy and mettā meditation is structured basing on a framework for using art in therapy, expressive therapies continuum. The concepts and applications of “ink for mettā” will be discussed, and the potential for further incorporation of dance and movement therapy will be explored.

Keywords: ink, Chinese calligraphy, mettā meditation, expressive arts therapy, Buddhist practice

摘要

《墨‧映》是中國書法和慈心觀在表達藝術治療實踐的結合。中國書法是一種具有美學欣賞價值的傳統書寫藝術，抄寫經文更是佛教修煉自心覺性的練習。慈心觀是一種佛教傳統修持，提倡自利利他的精神，培養慈愛 。修持旨在提升專注力和覺察，當情緒和念頭生起，毋須對抗，只要覺察，並回到當下的修習。表達藝術治療正與這種修習相應，在活動的過程中，讓潛藏的情緒被探視，以至逐漸得到紓解，促進心靈健康。中國書法和慈心觀在表達藝術治療的實踐，建基於運用藝術於治療中的「表達性治療連續系統」理論架構。本文將分享《墨‧映》的概念和應用，並進一步探討加入舞蹈治療元素的可能性。

關鍵詞：墨, 中國書法, 慈心觀, 表達藝術治療, 佛教修持