A Sailor Hannya Sutra.

Form is emptiness; emptiness is form. The Hannya Sutra, also known as the Heart Sutra, is one of the most known of all Buddhist sutras. Pilot and Sailor each released pens with the Hannya Sutra engraved on the cap and barrel. Most recently, Kamakura Pens sold out their limited edition Hannya Sutra pen based on the Platinum 3776 body, with a music nib.

When I appeared on Mel & Joey (a local TV show) together with other pen enthusiasts, I joked that my Sailor Hannya Sutra pen was meant to keep devils away. They took me seriously. Now I see I might have been halfway serious, as there is a towel printed with the Hannya Sutra that is supposed to wash away evil spirits as well as dirt.

Sailor Hannya Sutra
Sailor Hannya Sutra

I haven’t tried bringing this pen to a new business pitch. I’ve tried most everything else, including hiring an a capella group to sing live, draping a toy snake around my neck and clambering on top of the conference room table (not all during the same presentation). Perhaps I should.

Sailor Hannya Sutra - nib
Sailor Hannya Sutra - nib

The notebook with the evil eye closure is from Victoria Marin, on the second floor of Greenbelt 5. If I take both with me to a meeting and still don’t get anything approved, that means some seriously nasty juju is about. Or maybe people just need to go out and grab a drink. Empty is full, full is empty.