How to Choose Tools for Shakyō (Sutra Copying) – Beginner Sets

September 24, 2025

Once Your Shakyō Tools Are Ready, You Can Write Every Day

When starting shakyō (sutra copying), you may wonder what to get first.
Here we introduce basic brushes and paper, plus tools that make shakyō more convenient and enjoyable.

- Shakyō Paper -

Choose paper that suits your writing tool.
If you’re writing with a brush or brush pen, select non-bleeding papers such as Torinoko or kana paper.
For beginners, lined shakyō sheets are recommended. Sheets with a Heart Sutra template are especially convenient.

Mini Shakyō Paper (with Sample) – 20 Sheets

Shakyō Paper, with Copy Sample (Standard) – 1 Pad

Shakyō Paper, Pure Mino Gampi – 30 Sheets

- Shakyō Brushes -

We recommend Tang brushes made with durable rabbit hair, or “Shakyō Brushes” / “Suzume-gashira Brushes,” which hold plenty of ink.
If you’re not used to a brush, a brush pen is fine!

Shakan Red-Tube Brush

Shakyō Brush (Small) – Shuhitsudō

Akashiya New Brush SA300

- Inksticks for Shakyō -

For sutra copying, we recommend high-quality Japanese oil-soot inksticks.
Japanese inksticks also have a pleasant fragrance, so grinding ink can be relaxing.

Gosei Kōkaboku 1.5-chō Type — Made by Nihon Seiboku

Shakyō Inkstick 0.7-chō Type — Made by Kobaien

Pure-Black Shakyō Inkstick 1.5 Type — Made by Kobaien

- Inkstones for Shakyō -

Since shakyō uses only a little ink, compact 3–4 inch inkstones are easy to carry and recommended.
Some come in wooden boxes and have a cute, palm-sized rounded form—find one you like.

Songkō Duan Inkstone, China-carved — 3 inch

Laokeng Natural Inkstone — 3 inch

Mashiko Natural Inkstone — 4 inch

- Liquid Ink for Shakyō -

If it’s difficult to grind ink each time, bottled liquid ink for shakyō is recommended.
Using dedicated shakyō ink makes both preparation and cleanup easier.