How to Read “臨池”
Rinchi
Meaning of “臨池”
“Face pond” means to earnestly devote oneself to calligraphy practice, particularly to make tireless daily efforts for the improvement of calligraphy skills.
This word is a specialized expression used in the world of calligraphy, representing not simply writing characters, but an attitude of seriously pursuing the way of calligraphy. Like the story of Wang Xizhi, it refers to the kind of devoted effort where one practices by the pond every day and continues washing brushes to such an extent.
Even today, the spirit of this “Face pond” is cherished among people who study calligraphy. In calligraphy classrooms and calligraphy clubs, this word is sometimes used as students begin with basic brush techniques, copy classical masterpieces, and pursue their own expression. It is also used when calligraphy teachers explain to their disciples the importance of continuous effort for skill improvement.
The reason “Face pond” is used is because calligraphy is an art that cannot be mastered overnight. To write beautiful characters, one must learn with the body many elements such as correct posture, how to hold the brush, ink gradation, and character balance. For this, daily accumulation like Wang Xizhi’s is indispensable.
Origin and Etymology
The origin of “Face pond” lies in the story of Wang Xizhi, called the sage of calligraphy in China. Wang Xizhi was a calligrapher of the Eastern Jin dynasty in the 4th century, and the beauty of his calligraphy is still considered supreme today.
According to this story, Wang Xizhi devoted himself to calligraphy practice by the pond every day. When practice ended, he would wash his brush in the pond. His earnestness was extraordinary. Day after day, he continued writing characters from morning to night and washing his brush, and as a result, the pond water turned completely black.
This anecdote became the etymology of the word “Face pond.” “Rin” means “to face” or “to approach,” and “chi” directly refers to a pond. So it means “facing the pond,” but it doesn’t simply mean being beside a pond. It represents practicing earnestly by the pond to master the way of calligraphy, like Wang Xizhi.
This story was transmitted from China to Japan and has been particularly cherished in the world of calligraphy. In Japanese calligraphy culture too, the spirit of this “Face pond” has been passed down through generations and has become established as a word showing the ideal attitude of those who study calligraphy.
Interesting Facts
The anecdote about Wang Xizhi turning the pond water black has a continuation. The pond he used later came to be called “Ink Pond” and became a place that many calligraphers visit as a holy site of calligraphy in China.
In Japan’s calligraphy world, excellent calligraphers are sometimes called “people of Face pond.” This is an expression of respect for people who not only have excellent technique but continue unceasing efforts like Wang Xizhi.
Usage Examples
- The teacher gets up early every morning and cherishes Face pond time
- Seeing the attitude of the calligraphy club seniors toward Face pond, I thought I should practice more too
Modern Interpretation
In modern society, the concept of “Face pond” is beginning to have new meaning beyond the framework of calligraphy. As digitization progresses, interest in handwritten characters and traditional arts is increasing.
Especially now that text input on smartphones and computers has become commonplace, the act of actually holding a brush and writing characters has come to have special value. As many people feel that “my handwriting has gotten worse” or “I can’t write kanji anymore,” the increase in adults attending calligraphy classes can be said to be a return to this spirit of “Face pond.”
Moreover, modern “Face pond” is attracting attention not just for skill acquisition but as a means of mental cultivation, concentration improvement, and stress relief. Time spent quietly facing the brush, away from busy daily life, has become precious meditation time for modern people.
On the other hand, digital calligraphy apps and calligraphy practice using tablets have also appeared, diversifying the forms of “Face pond.” We have entered an era where traditional methods using brush and ink coexist with methods utilizing digital technology.
However, regardless of the form, the essence of “Face pond” – continuous effort and sincere attitude – remains unchanged. Even in modern times, this ancient story continues to live as words that resonate in the hearts of people who seek to master something.
When AI Hears This
In our digital age, we’ve grown accustomed to easily erasing mistakes with “Ctrl+Z” and starting over as many times as we want. However, the story of Wang Xizhi washing his brushes until the pond turned black with ink perfectly illustrates that the essence of mastery lies precisely in these “irreversible constraints.”
Modern neuroscience research shows that “errorful learning” leads to better long-term memory retention than “errorless learning.” In other words, learning in high-stakes situations where mistakes are costly gets etched more deeply into our brains. In Wang Xizhi’s era, each sheet of paper was precious, and every brushstroke carried tension. This “irreversible seriousness” honed his technique to its absolute limits.
Research has even shown that digital natives’ learning efficiency may actually be declining compared to previous generations. Environments that allow infinite do-overs might appear efficient on the surface, but they could actually be undermining our concentration and memory retention.
Even today, we feel something special about one-shot live performances or handwritten letters because they contain that “seriousness born from physical constraints.” In our digital age, perhaps intentionally incorporating “no-undo practice” is the real shortcut to mastering true skills.
Lessons for Today
What “Face pond” teaches modern people is that true growth requires time-consuming accumulation. In modern society where we tend to seek immediate results, this ancient teaching has particular value.
When we want to acquire something, we tend to look for efficient methods or shortcuts. However, the spirit of “Face pond” teaches that daily small efforts become real strength. Continuous efforts to the extent that pond water turns black will eventually produce great results.
In modern society, this way of thinking can be applied to any field, not just calligraphy. Language learning, musical instrument practice, sports skill improvement, work skill development – it’s a universal principle common to all.
What’s important is to cherish today’s small step while aiming for perfection. If you’re working on something, don’t rush for results and enjoy the process. If you continue even a little each day, when you look back someday, you should be able to feel growth that surprises even yourself. Why not make your life richer with the spirit of “Face pond”?
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