FROM THE GARDEN OF ZEN

September 12, 2021

Sunset in blue: Morito-beach (Hayama)

The soft vermilion light that the setting sun emits is increasingly blending with the blue-gray of the floating cumulus clouds to create the ever-changing violet sky above the tranquil evening sea.

The tender brilliance of the sky is reflected on the silvery surface of the finely rippled sea.

Although the sun is gently sinking beyond the sea and the night is closing in gradually, the people on the beach are still staying here to cherish the glow of embers of this summer day.

Sunset in blue: Morito-beach (Hayama)

The sun is gradually sinking beyond the distant horizon. Illuminated by the remaining flames of the setting sun, the wavy flakes of altocumulus clouds are shining brightly in the dark blue sky like the countless tufts of silvery-white feathers of the mythical bird which lives in the sky.

The ever-changing radiance of the sun is beautifully coloring this serene seascape to reveal one of the most stunning spectacles of this watery planet for a brief moment before sundown.

Sunset in blue: Morito-beach (Hayama)

In the pale evening light, the sea keeps rippling unceasingly and gleaming like a satin-finished surface of silver. The thin blue clouds are drifting and fading away quietly in the pleasant sea breeze.

The faint afterglow is tinting the shimmering surface of the sea and the sky above the horizon with a variety of reddish gold colors.

The continuous transformation of this blue seascape before my eyes makes me notice the ever-lasting movement of this planet earth.

Sunset in blue: Morito-beach (Hayama)

Summer blue sky: Yuigahama-beach

July 27, 2021

Sacred Lotus flower: Ofuna Botanical Garden (Kamakura)

The long rainy season has finally ended, and the glaring sun of high summer has just begun to shine in the boundless azure sky. Absorbing the dazzling sunlight thirstily, sacred lotus flowers are emerging one after another from muddy water.

In Asia, particularly in China, sacred lotus flowers are traditionally admired as the auspicious sign which symbolizes fertility, longevity, and prosperity.

Lotus flowers still retain the characteristics of the primitive flowers blooming in faraway ancient times, which makes me imagine the forgotten stories of life in the vast history of this planet.

Sacred Lotus flowers: Ofuna Botanical Garden (Kamakura)

In Amida-kyo (Amida Sutra) of Mahayana Buddhism, it is taught that in the paradise called the Pure Land of Amitabha, sacred lotus flowers are blooming beautifully everywhere.

A lotus flower is said to represent the virtues of those who are to born into the Pure Land. The lotus grows in the mud, but it does not get stained by the mud and produces pure, noble flowers on the water.

When those who have righteous faith pass on to the Pure Land, they will suddenly dwell in the base of a large flower-bud of lotus rising in a large pond. At this moment, all women will also become men, and, as the lotus flower blooms, they will become eternal residents of the Pure Land of Amidanyorai.

Sacred Lotus flowers: Ofuna Botanical Garden (Kamakura)

The crimson and silky-white lotus flowers are daintily blooming in the blazing midday sun, leaning close to each other as if to talk together secretly.

I feel I could hear these lotus flowers whisper calmly about the splendor of this universe, the swift turning of seasons, the merciful blessings from the sun, the busy movement of the insects that visit them, the success of pollination, the end of their flowering, and so on.

Sacred Lotus flower: Ofuna Botanical Garden (Kamakura)

In ancient India, the lotus flower has been a symbol of all kinds of good fortune, including power, creativity, fertility, prosperity, and longevity.

Many deities of Indian mythology are depicted in various ways in combination with lotus flowers.

Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, beauty and fertility, stands on a red lotus flower and holds red lotus flowers in both hands. Lakshmi is also known as Kisshoten in Japan.

Goddess Saraswati, known as Benzaiten in Japan, is often depicted sitting on a white lotus flower. Saraswati is the beautiful goddess of learning, wealth, music, and art.

In Hinduism, there is a myth that Brahman, known as the ultimate reality of the universe, was born out of the lotus flower that extended from the navel of the god Vishnu.