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Treatise on Understanding
Tung Ch'i-ch'ang (1555-1636) Ming dynasty
Hanging scroll, ink on paper, H. 74-3/4 in., W. 60-15/16 in. Collection of the National Palace Museum, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China.
The calligraphy for this kite is a passage on the attainment of sagehood from a short, pithy essay by the Neo-Confucian philosopher Chou Tun-i (1017-1073):
""Someone asked, 'Can sagehood be attained through study?' I answered, 'It can. He then asked, 'Is there some special requirement for this?' I answered, 'There is indeed; singleness is the requirement. Singleness is the absence of desire. If one is without desire, he is empty in his quietude and straightforward in his actions. To be empty when quiet brings enlightenment; to be straightforward in one's actions brings impartiality. Enlightenment leads to penetration, and impartiality to universality. This is not far from it! (i.e. from sagehood)'. "
To fly your kite: Fold at 2. Then fold 1 and 3 together. Fold again at 4. After fold is in position, crease along vertical bottom lines to form a gentle curve. Attach kite string at 5, 6, 7.
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