This study examines the values and usefulness of the literati paintings as
artistic therapy for recovering human nature. This study especially underlines
the literati paintings' artistic spirit which closely relates to the spiritual
development. Furthermore, the literati paintings highly evaluates the morality
and the self-control, as it emphasizes the mun-qi(文氣, cultivation to create
the true humanistic value). The literati paintings' mun-qi, cultivating the
humanistic refinement, encompasses the spiritual discipline through practicing
with the brush and the Chinese ink. The artistic and spiritual discipline of
the literati paintings provides three kinds of the values and usefulness for
humanistic psychological therapy. Firstly, the bi-duc(比德) visualization of
poetry-simulating painting expression(詩情畵意) offers the symbolistic space
and the selection capacity which are connected to the emotional self control
for psychological treatment. Secondly, the personality visualization of the
Il-qi(逸氣, finding selfness) offers the self-confidence and the ability to
remain aloof from the environmental influence and to improve the self
healing power. Thirdly, the self-forgetfulness visualization of true selfness in
nature(平淡天眞) renders the positive development of self cognizance power.
From the view points of the above three, the artistic practice of the literati
paintings is effective for the artistic therapy based on the humanity training.