The Buddha Board is perfect at what it does... that is, to help you master the art of letting go. You dip the brush in water and place it on the board - and what ever you draw or write magically turns into this vivid black... like black paint on canvas (I was very surprised at the vivid colour! it doesn't look 'watery' or washed out at all), and just as magically, disappears within a few minutes of you drawing/writing it. A meditative experience for me personally, because I naturally criticize any thing I put down as 'art'. But because anything you paint or draw on the Buddha Board disappears within a few minutes, you're not left with with any inhibitions, and you're not left with anything there to pick at or doubt yourself over. I would give it five stars, but I must admit it is a bit flimsy (one or two brush bristles came out on the first day of using it) and you have to be careful about of how much water you put in the water dish/stand (there has been reviews of the bottom of the board getting damaged because of this). But other than that, I am very pleased with this product. I would definitely recommend it. Would be a great conversation starter (or communal art project!) at the coffee table with friends and family, and also great for little kids.. you're not wasting any paper, and there is no ink to get messy with! Just plain ol' water and joy for art ;-)