December 4, 2014

Colored leaves of maple: Engaku-ji



In the chilly gardens of December, the deciduous trees hastily discolor their green leaves to make preparations for harsh winter. The leaves lose moisture and their leaf green undergoes a chemical change to turn bright autumnal colors.

These leaves beautifully change their colors to be scattered in a puff of the cold wind and the fallen leaves slowly decompose on the ground for providing the rich nutrients in the soil.

When winter goes away and spring comes, young green leaves emerge vigorously thanks to the nutrients which the dead leaves had left behind.


Autumn leaves: Engaku-ji



In the cold lucid sun of early winter, the leaves of maple take on bright flaming colors to fall and return to soil.

The cycle of life quietly continues its spinning, revealing the transient and precious beauty of the four seasons going by.


Colored leaves of maple: Engaku-ji


Autumn grove: Tokei-ji


Autumn leaves: Engaku-ji


Bamboo grove in autumn: Kencho-ji


Autumn leaves: Engaku-ji


Autumn leaves: Engaku-ji


Autumn leaves of maple: Engaku-ji


Autumn leaves: Tsurugaoka-hachimangu