Showing posts with label tree. Show all posts
Showing posts with label tree. Show all posts
May 24, 2022
January 23, 2022
May 7, 2021
Byakusin (Juniperus chinensis) trees and Botan (Paeonia suffruticosa) flowers: Kencho-ji
Along the entrance path leading to the Buddha Hall, a cluster of old Byakushin (Chinese juniper) trees are firmly standing tall, which are over 750 years old and were planted when this Zen temple was built in the 13th century.
The robust and steady growth of these majestic trees symbolically represents the religious life of a trainee monk who seeks the ultimate wisdom and enlightenment.
The evergreen needle-leaves that twist and rise up like blazing green flames make me sense the strong and ascetic life force of these old trees.
The large brightly-colored flowers of Botan (peony), which are described as the most celebrated spring flower in the Eastern tradition, are blooming by the side of these evergreen trees to attend them like graceful noble ladies.
March 11, 2020
Byakusin (Juniperus) flowers: Engaku-ji
In the front yard of the Hojo (main hall), an old Byakusin (Chinese juniper) tree is standing still in solitude for hundreds of years like a Zen monk who keeps meditating everlastingly.
Every spring, this aged tree bears a great number of humble yellow flowers as if to be grateful for the return of the beautiful season of regrowth.
According to the style of architecture of the Zen temples introduced by Sung of China, evergreen Byakusin trees are planted in the frontcourt of Butsu-den (Buddha hall) as the symbol of the state of perfect enlightenment.
February 11, 2019
November 8, 2018
Byakusin (Chinese juniper) tree: Kencho-ji
Like an ascetic monk who is solemnly determined to practice silence, this old Byakusin tree continues standing still through all kinds of hardships in its life of 750 years.
The wind, sun, rain, and snow have heavily weathered the intricately-twisted trunk of this tree and deep green moss is compassionately covering the bare surface of this waved trunk.
August 27, 2017
Byakusin (Chinese juniper)Bya tree: Kencho-ji
The evergreen needle leaves of this aged Byakusin tree keep growing thick as always for about 750 years since the building of this old Zen-temple.
June 16, 2017
April 26, 2017
February 4, 2017
Wintry trees: Engaku-ji
Under the gray winter sky, a web of twigs is at deep rest.
Soon tree buds will come out unnoticeably to prepare for the coming of spring.
November 14, 2016
September 9, 2016
August 15, 2016
The trunk of an old Byakusin (Chinese juniper) tree: Kencho-ji
In the gardens of Zen temples, a Byakusin tree is an emblem of the ascetic life for spiritual awakening.
Its flouncing trunk and evergreen needle leaves symbolize the harsh discipline and the perfect enlightenment which Zen monks must pursue.
March 13, 2016
White Ume tree: Kencho-ji
In the empty garden of a minor temple, the white blossoms of an old Ume tree are modestly blooming as if to greet the spring which is just to arriving.
The small garden, which is completely wrapped in silence, is softly mottled with the mellow ray of the afternoon sun filtering through the branches of trees around it.
October 4, 2014
August 31, 2012
A Byakusin (Juniper) tree in Kencho-ji
The sturdy and rugged bark of the old Byakusin (Chinese juniper) tree always reminds me of the mind of an enlightened person.
The seedling of this juniper tree is said to have been planted by the founder of this Zen temple about 760 years ago.
A Byakusin tree grows steadily without haste and never loses its evergreen leaves even in the cruelest winters.
The nature of this tree symbolizes the sincere and pure attitude of the Zen trainee monks who are in pursuit of their spiritual enlightenment.
May 30, 2012
The garden of Kaizo-ji
The various spring flowers which once delighted our eyes had already faded away.
In exchange for them, fresh green leaves are glittering brightly in the sun to make us perceive again the particular beauty of this vital season.
January 24, 2011
January 17, 2011
Robai (Chimonanthus praecox) tree in Tokei-ji temple
In the quiet garden of Tokei-ji, the fragrant Robai have come into full bloom and the vivid crimson flowers of Ume have finally started to open.
Spring is steadily approaching here step by step.
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