FROM THE GARDEN OF ZEN: March 2022

March 13, 2022

Shidare-ume (drooping Japanese apricot) flowers: Kaizo-ji

As if to instantaneously release all the life force quietly stored during the severe winter, the countless pink flowers of the old shidare-ume tree are in full bloom all at once on the moss-covered drooping branches, while gloriously revealing the arrival of the joyous and fragrant spring.

Every earthy thing must change and pass away quickly in the ceaseless flow of time.

According to the constant turning of the seasons, the flowers of the each time bloom impressively to give particular delight to me, and, in a manner similar to these long-awaited ume flowers, disappear unhesitatingly from view just like my fleeting illusion.

White ume (Japanese apricot) flowers: Engaku-ji

As the sunlight and warmth of spring gradually increases, the small living creatures, that have been concealing themselves quietly during harsh winter, begin moving around busily and renew their lives vigorously in the grass and groves of fresh green.

The various birds, that had been hiding silently among desolate trees and bushes, begin flying around merrily in the spring sky and chanting their first songs cheerfully.

Although it has not been long since the blooming of the noble ume flowers, which are also called "Hoshunka" (the flower heralding the beginning of spring), the workings of nature are proceeding at an astonishing rate before my eyes.

Shidare-ume (drooping Japanese apricot) flowers: Kaizo-ji

In East Asia, the flower of ume is said to symbolize a lovely maiden of innocent and pure heart. It prepares to bloom in the winter snow before the appearance of its fresh green leaves and emits a sweet-smelling fragrance in the chilly and scentless air, as if to adorably announce and glorify the arrival of spring before other flowers.

Flowering is the highest purpose of every plant life. Plants do their best to bloom for pollination with all their force by explosively releasing the nourishment and strength that have been stored over the year.

Spring is the peak period of spectacular flowering. Starting with the blooming of these elegant ume flowers, various seasonal flowers continuously emerge at a dizzying rate to competitively bask in the glory of the merciful spring sun.