But I think he is completely different from Wang Xizhi. Because of the frustration of life, his psychology has changed greatly, and it seems to have changed his whole ideological realm.
Wang Xizhi is completely different from him. Wang Xizhi was more influenced by Taoism, while Master Hongyi converted to Buddhism, which is very different. Although their calligraphy achievements are very high, they take a completely different route.
Master Hongyi returned to himself, while Wang Xizhi surpassed himself. They are completely different, but they both represent the pinnacle of calligraphy achievements. The two can't be compared, but they are both peaks.
Master Hongyi's calligraphy is completely different from Wang Xizhi's.
His handwriting in his later years looks unremarkable, but he has returned to himself and made his own way. It seems nothing special, but what everyone can achieve most is this ordinary initial state.
I think Master Hongyi's calligraphy attainments are very high, and it is even more commendable to return to the original. Therefore, Hongyi's calligraphy can be compared with Wang Xizhi's. But perhaps for the public, perhaps Wang Xizhi is more famous and everyone knows better.
However, this does not mean that Master Hongyi's calligraphy is not good, but it is also the peak level of calligraphy. Their life paths are completely different, so their ideas are different. One is to surpass oneself, and the other is to return to oneself. They wrote not only calligraphy, but also these ideas are worth thinking and learning by future generations.