This painting of Bodhidharma crossing the Yangzi River on a reed is a common subject seen in Buddhist paintings throughout the history of China, and it is extremely difficult to convey the profound meaning behind this image with the use of simple brushwork. This painting that combines both gonbi and lyrical styles appears vividly alive, and the expression and state of mind of the character are conveyed with lively and fast brushstroke executed with one swift movement. Reed flowers sway on the vast and hazy body of water, and the exceptional control of ink and brushwork shows an attainment of mental liberation and ease. Composition wise, inscriptions are placed on two sides, with a profound significance conveyed, connoting that the understanding of one’s own heart despite ups and downs was the true meaning behind Bodhidharma’s hermitage on the peak of Mount Shaoshi where he practiced silent meditation while facing a wall. Buddhism is passed down for generations by masters, which includes the following teaching given by the Sixth Patriarch of Zen Buddhism: The object of my coming to this land is to transmit the Dharma for the deliverance of those under delusion. In five petals the flowers will be complete. Thereafter, the fruit will come to bearing naturally.
简中｜一苇渡江
Paintings
Xia Jing Shan
color on paper
88x37.5
1999
題跋：蘆花風遲浪頭高 少寶岩前去路遙○外 一花開五葉腳跟迫好喫藤條 時年七時有六夏荊山拜寫 渡江緣未契面壁佛真誰識三身外長示現因 楠竺敬題
印記：夏氏荊山、夏荊山印、空雲水月、夏氏荊山書畫、吉祥、夏氏、楠竹居士
bj4425
