Zenga

Zenga is the name given by the Japanese to the collective paintings and calligraphy of Zen monks from 1600 to the present The eastern tradition of monochrome ink painting is known in Japanese as suiboku-ga or sumi-e. While as an art form sumi-e originally evolved out of the calligraphy and painting of ancient China, the unique life present in sumi-e is breathed in through its connection with Zen Buddhism. Zenga is used in many ways. During meditation paintings are created as a tool to enhance one's focus and as a reflection on the meditation. Objects of Zenga are also used as meditation subjects, such as a scroll on a temple wall or a painting supplied by a teacher for this purpose. Most paintings are accompanied by poems, koans, or other commentary which generally takes the form of either the artist's reflection on his work or a teacher's message to be meditated upon by others.

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