Call for Submissions to Calligraphy and Painting by Chinese Buddhist Monastics Worldwide
One Monastic, One Work of Art, One Life of Spiritual Practice
A work of calligraphy or painting reflects a state of mind;
a personal account preserves the journey of a life.
Calligraphy and painting are more than forms of art. They are also cultural imprints left by an era. Within an individual’s brushwork are often found their character, learning, life experience, and understanding of both life and spiritual practice.
Today, these works record the present. With the passage of time, they will become valuable historical materials through which future generations may come to understand Chinese Buddhist monastics of our time—how they lived, how they practiced, how they carried forward cultural traditions, and the spiritual character and cultural expression embodied in their lives.
To preserve this authentic and deeply human record of our time, Huayan International is preparing to publish Calligraphy and Painting by Chinese Buddhist Monastics Worldwide. We warmly invite Chinese Buddhist monastics in China and around the world to contribute original works of calligraphy or painting.
The book plans to feature works by 108 Chinese Buddhist monastics. The artwork will form the heart of the publication, accompanied by a brief personal introduction and the story behind each work.
The 108 participating monastics will come from different places and have diverse life experiences and spiritual journeys. Each work is an authentic expression of an individual. Together, they will gradually reveal the cultural character, spiritual qualities, and life experiences of contemporary Chinese Buddhist monastics.
This publication is not intended as an artistic competition or evaluation. Its purpose is to create an authentic record. What we value is the state of mind and insight naturally expressed through each work, as well as the distinctive and genuine life story behind the brush and ink.
Whether it is a Dharma teaching, a verse, a work of calligraphy, or a painting, all original works created by the participating monastics are warmly welcomed.
Submission Materials
One original work of calligraphy or painting created by the participating monastic;
The title of the work, the year of its creation, and a brief explanation of its meaning;
A brief personal introduction, which may include the participant’s connection with Buddhism, monastic journey, and experiences in sharing and serving through the Dharma;
One or two personal photographs.
Written materials need not be lengthy and may be provided according to each participant’s circumstances.
Those who find it convenient are also welcome to include a short audio or video recording introducing the work or sharing the story behind it. Audio and video submissions are entirely optional and are not required.
History is preserved not only through major events, but also through real individuals, individual works of art, and the ordinary yet precious experiences of human life.
Through Calligraphy and Painting by Chinese Buddhist Monastics Worldwide, we hope that people today may come to know contemporary Chinese Buddhist monastics through their art, and that many years from now, future generations may still encounter, through these works and personal accounts, the cultural character and lived experiences of the Chinese Buddhist monastic community of our time.
May calligraphy and painting create meaningful connections,
and may brush and ink preserve the heart—
leaving for our time an authentic cultural record filled with warmth and humanity.
Chinese Buddhist monastics in China and around the world are sincerely invited to participate as conditions allow.
Submission Deadline: January 15, 2027
Submission Method: By Mail
Mailing Address: 20-47 129th Street, College Point, NY 11356
Contact Person: Shaogong Chen
Email: huayanusa@gmail.com
Initiated and Organized by: The International Huayan Buddhist Federation
