FROM THE GARDEN OF ZEN: October 2015

October 21, 2015

Ivy leaves: Kaizo-ji

Autumn is gradually deepening and leaves are changing their colors little by little. Trees sense the approaching of bitterly cold winter and begin to prepare for enduring this harsh season.

Because of the sharp drop in temperature, trees stop supplying water to their leaves. Due to dryness, chlorophyll in the leaves changes gradually into coloring matter, which causes the leaves to take on flaming autumnal tints before their falling.

This chemical change helps the rapid decomposition of dead leaves on the surface of the earth. The nutritious substances from the decomposed leaves fertilize the soil and are used for the rebirth and growth in next spring.

Karugamo (Anas poecilorhyncha) duck: Engaku-ji

As the harbinger of autumn, a pair of Karugamo ducks have returned to this small pond as in other years.

The female duck is dancingly gliding around on the calm surface of the pond, leaving countless sparkling ripples on the water.

The transparent sunlight from the crystal autumn sky will soon bring the most gorgeous colors to this quiet garden, where the trees have hurriedly begun to take on the splendid tints of this transient and beautiful season.