Tao calligraphist Wong infuses writings with spirituality

Orlena Sau Ming Wong creates works of Tao calligraphy with the intent of embodying the message of her spiritual teacher, Master Zhi Gang Sha. Her writings are infused with Tao blessings and messages pertaining to the highest Tao qualities, including love, forgiveness, compassion, harmony and enlightenment.

Ten pieces by Wong, in an exhibit titled “Tao Calligraphy,” are on display at the Louis Pohl Gallery through Sept. 29.

Wong, a Honolulu resident who owns and operates the largest youth hostel in Hawaii, began learning calligraphy from Sha in 2014. Tao calligraphy can be used as a meditative practice and help practitioners to advance their spiritual development and find inner peace, she explained.

This unique form of calligraphy was created by Sha and incorporates a one-stroke technique, as is also seen in Yi Bi Zi calligraphy, which Sha also practiced. It brings together the Taoist principles of uniting humanity and heaven.

After mastering Yi Bi Zi writing, Sha created Tao calligraphy, Wong explained. Sha learned the ancient form of calligraphy from professor Li Qiu Yun, who learned the art from Tai Shi, a teacher of the emperor’s and royal family’s children during the Qing Dynasty, the last of the royal Chinese dynasties.

“I channel the Tao energy,” Wong said, “and bring that through the paper.”