FROM THE GARDEN OF ZEN

May 6, 2025

Cherry blossoms: Kenroku-en Garden (Kanazawa-city)

In this Kenrokuen Garden, the Sakura (Somei-yoshino) trees, which have been quietly growing in the shadow of the evergreen pine trees, are now stimulated by the arrival of the bright spring sunlight and are wholeheartedly blooming all over the place.

The vivid cherry blossoms in full bloom are reflected on the water surface of the Kyokusui (winding stream) which is flowing ceaselessly like the passage of time.

Soon, at the end of their lives, the cherry blossoms will immediately begin to scatter in unison and their pale pink petals float and flow on the calm surface of the Kyokusui stream, as the graceful gift from this beautiful springtime which must leave in a hurry.

Cherry blossoms: Kenroku-en Garden (Kanazawa-city)

Under the vivid blue sky, the drooping slender branches of the old weeping cherry tree are bearing countless pale-pink blossoms, which are shining brightly in the spring sunlight while shaking in the soft breeze.

I wonder how many springs this old cherry tree has welcomed quietly and joyfully to blossom in such a marvelous manner.

Cherry blossoms: Kenroku-en Garden (Kanazawa-city)

The pale blossoms of Somei-yoshino are floating over the tranquil surface of the Kyokusui stream like graceful auspicious clouds.

Although Somei-yoshino is especially popular for Hanami (flower viewing) of spring in Japan, sadly its flowering period is very brief. Their blossoms must scatter hurriedly within about one week after their full bloom.

They are initially pale pink, but, as the end of their lives approaches, they gradually lose their freshness of colors and become dull white just before falling like sudden snow simultaneously.

Such transitoriness of the blossoms seems to be harmonious with the quietly flowing water of the winding stream, which reminds us of the ephemeral and swift changes of this world.

Cherry blossoms: Kenroku-en Garden (Kanazawa-city)

Kyokusui streams are the groundwork of the elegant landscape of this Kenrokuen Garden, which may be called "the garden of flowing water."

The shallow, winding streams slowly weave through the mossy ground and exquisite rock works like the flowing handwriting of an ancient calligrapher.

The water of these streams is taken from the upper reaches of the Saigawa River and flows into this magnificent Kasumiga-ike Pond (misty pond) through the Tatsumi-yosui (southeast waterworks). This abundance of water is fed by the fountain, streams, waterfalls and small ponds, all of which elegantly decorate this peaceful green garden.

Cherry blossoms: Kenroku-en Garden (Kanazawa-city)

In front of the red gate of Seison-kaku Pavilion.

Old black pine trees and Someiyoshino cherry blossoms.

Cherry blossoms: Kenroku-en Garden (Kanazawa-city)

Cherry blossoms and Neagari-matsu (pine-tree with its roots raised above ground): Kenrokuen Garden (Kanazawa City)

Cherry blossoms: Kenrokuen Garden (Kanazawa City)

Cherry blossoms on the side of the Sai-gawa River (Kanazawa-city)

Beyond the Sakura-bashi Bridge across the Sai-gawa River, the snow-capped Hakusan mountain-chain can be clearly seen in the distance.

Cherry blossoms by the side of the Sai-gawa River (Kanazawa-city)

The bronze statue of nude women named "Waterfront Poem" and graceful weeping cherry blossoms near the Sakura-bashi Bridge across the Sai-gawa River. Camellia flowers are adding vibrant colours to this elegant view.

Cherry blossoms on the side of the Sai-gawa River (Kanazawa-city)

Cherry blossoms: Kanazawa-jo Castle (Kanazawa City)

April 23, 2025

Cherry blossoms at night: Kanazawa-jo Castle (Kanazawa-city)

I visited Kanazawa-city (Ishikawa Prefecture of Japan) again, just in time for the cherry blossoms of Someiyoshino (Prunus yedoensis) in all their glory.

As if to be stared by the two white watchtowers of the Ishikawa Gate of Kanazawa-jo Castle, the countless cherry blossoms in full bloom are illuminated by radiant white lighting at nightfall. They are shining brilliantly like the silver clouds of stars that have just arrived here from the faraway outer universe to let us notice the wonder of our existence.

In Japan, beautiful cherry blossoms symbolize not only the coming of joyous spring but also "Mujo" (Buddhist concept of the impermanence of worldly things) because they fleetingly disappear just after blooming splendidly.

The glorious beauty of cherry blossoms in full bloom suggests the fate of their eventual falling, and, by watching their fast-declining appearance, we deeply feel "Mononoaware" or the impermanence of our mortal lives.

This feeling arouses the deep emotion of those of us who must eventually disappear like such pale pink blossoms.