FROM THE GARDEN OF ZEN

January 9, 2019

Mt.Fuji as seen from Inamuragasaki point (Kamakura)

Beyond the vast waving water of Sagami bay, the snow-capt peak of Mt. Fuji rises sharply against the pure azure sky.

Fortunately, thanks to the intense coldness and dryness in the deep of winter, the ambient air is so transparent that I can clearly see the divine spectacle of the sacred mountain and the shining sea in the far distance.

This magnificent view awakes me to the innermost admiration for the sublimity beyond human understanding and for the universe filled with such boundless wonders.

Mt.Fuji as seen from Inamuragasaki point (Kamakura)

The sun is sinking slowly beyond the calm sea, tinting the western sky and the woolly clouds with a varying rosy flush.

Just before nightfall, the noble silhouette of Mt.Fuji stands out clearly against the golden sunset glow.

Since ancient times, this holy mountain has earned the heartfelt faith and worship of Japanese people and has been respected as the highest spiritual symbol of Japan.

In the low voice of the wind gently blowing across the sea, I hear the earnest prayers which have been sincerely offered to Mt.Fuji by Japanese people.

Mt.Fuji as seen from Morito-beach (Hayama)

Mt.Fuji and Enoshima island as seen from Inamuragasaki point (Kamakura)

December 16, 2018

Autumnal colors: Tokei-ji

The dry chillness of winter causes the flaming colors of autumn leaves to appear gradually in this garden. In the pale gray sunlight of the cloudy afternoon, these leaves are glowing warmly to conclude their lifetimes with final quiet grace.

In preparation for the arrival of harsh midwinter, deciduous trees stop water-supply to their leaves and allow the leaves to dry and scatter. This desiccation gives rise to the subtle chemistry which colors the leaves scarlet, vermilion and gold.

The cold wind of winter is fitfully blowing across this garden and these bright-colored leaves are falling determinedly one after another in the murmuring sound of the north wind.

Sunset clouds: Yuigahama-beach

In the dark evening sky, the setting sun is tinting the drifting white clouds with deep crimson.

Far above the sunset clouds, the dazzling half moon is serenely casting silvery light on the quiet shore where I am standing still.

Like the eye of wisdom, the moon above is silently seeing into my mind as if to ask me why I exist here.

Evening sun: Yuigahama-beach

The blazing sun is gradually sinking toward the horizon, projecting an endless shinning path on the rippling sea.

The dark red clouds are slowly floating away on the calm sea-wind and melting into the golden evening sky.

According to the eternal fluctuation of the universe, the restless wavelets are lapping the sands before my eyes.

Autumn leaves: Engaku-ji

Early winter has already arrived in this modest garden and the leaves are in a hurry to take on red, vermilion and yellow.

The wooden standing statue of Sho Kannon, which is enclosed in the small shrine, is quietly staring at this beautiful incarnation of the changing seasons with a warm merciful smile.