The Worn Awl — hosen

Reading

An old awl, used so long its point has worn round.

The sharpness has not gone; it has settled inward, and no longer cuts.

One who has passed through the work, and left no trace of the work behind.

Not dullness, but an edge that no longer needs to be shown.

Origin

From the Avatamsaka Sutra (Flower Garland Sutra), the Gandavyuha chapter, in the pilgrimage of the youth Sudhana. The first teacher Sudhana visits, the monk Meghasri (Tokuun / Deyun), dwells on the summit of Wondrous Peak (Myohozan). In ko-sui, "sui" is an awl worn until its point has gone blunt; the term also serves as an honorific for a seasoned, mellowed master. The verse "Deyun, the worn old awl, how often he descends Wondrous Peak" is transmitted as a Chan verse and is quoted by Hakuin in the Dokugo Shingyo. (Note: this phrase is not the verse for Case 23 of the Blue Cliff Record; that verse opens with a different line.)

Seal

Cut by hand in Tokyo by the artist. The angle of the blade and the depth of the stroke decide where the ink bleeds and where it holds. No imprint repeats.

篆刻 — 佐竹寶千　朱印

Specifications

Garment: Short sleeve: Bella + Canvas 3001 / Long sleeve: Gildan 2400 (Ultra Cotton)
Print: DTG print — front: the seal; back & inside label: 寳千 / Vermilion
Size: S · M · L · XL
Price: ¥6,980$70.00€65.00

Size guide

Short sleeve · Bella + Canvas 3001

Size	Length	Chest width
S	71 / 28.0	46 / 18.1
M	74 / 29.1	51 / 20.1
L	76 / 29.9	56 / 22.0
XL	79 / 31.1	61 / 24.0

Long sleeve · Gildan 2400

Size	Length	Chest width	Sleeve
S	71 / 28.0	46 / 18.1	85 / 33.5
M	74 / 29.1	51 / 20.1	89 / 35.0
L	76 / 29.9	56 / 22.0	93 / 36.6
XL	79 / 31.1	61 / 24.0	97 / 38.2

Garment measured flat, in cm / inches. Slight variation occurs between pieces. Sizes follow Japanese garment standards — check the measurements rather than the letter.