A Kanji Stroke Order Manual for Heart Sutra Copying Paperback – October 9, 2018

This book is great for practicing the Heart Sutra. Very easy to use.

This book includes a thoughtful introduction to the tradition of sutra copying. Each kanji is presented with its pronunciation and translation. The author suggests learning just a few kanji at a time and copying them with a brush on larger paper. I bought at the same time a different sutra copying exercise book and some loose pages preprinted with tiny letters, made to use with a brush-type pen or even a pencil. I am so glad I had this book to help me learn the Heart Sutra more effectively. It's a beautiful book and it's clear the author is devoted to the Heart Sutra. Take your time and immerse yourself.

Helpful as a Shodo practice aid.

Look at the cover. If the characters depicted look difficult, you're right, they are. If you have never attempted characters of that complexity before then this book won't help you. In the author's own words, "In this kanji stroke order manual for Heart Sutra copying I assume that you are acquainted with the required Japanese calligraphy supplies and know the basic technique and brush strokes of Japanese calligraphy.". In other words, if you struggle with your brush stroke forms this book will not help you at all. In fact you will be prone to making the same mistakes over and over; reinforcing your bad habits. I hope this review helps.