FROM THE GARDEN OF ZEN: December 2018

December 16, 2018

Autumnal colors: Tokei-ji

The dry chillness of winter causes the flaming colors of autumn leaves to appear gradually in this garden. In the pale gray sunlight of the cloudy afternoon, these leaves are glowing warmly to conclude their lifetimes with final quiet grace.

In preparation for the arrival of harsh midwinter, deciduous trees stop water-supply to their leaves and allow the leaves to dry and scatter. This desiccation gives rise to the subtle chemistry which colors the leaves scarlet, vermilion and gold.

The cold wind of winter is fitfully blowing across this garden and these bright-colored leaves are falling determinedly one after another in the murmuring sound of the north wind.

Sunset clouds: Yuigahama-beach

In the dark evening sky, the setting sun is tinting the drifting white clouds with deep crimson.

Far above the sunset clouds, the dazzling half moon is serenely casting silvery light on the quiet shore where I am standing still.

Like the eye of wisdom, the moon above is silently seeing into my mind as if to ask me why I exist here.

Evening sun: Yuigahama-beach

The blazing sun is gradually sinking toward the horizon, projecting an endless shinning path on the rippling sea.

The dark red clouds are slowly floating away on the calm sea-wind and melting into the golden evening sky.

According to the eternal fluctuation of the universe, the restless wavelets are lapping the sands before my eyes.

Autumn leaves: Engaku-ji

Early winter has already arrived in this modest garden and the leaves are in a hurry to take on red, vermilion and yellow.

The wooden standing statue of Sho Kannon, which is enclosed in the small shrine, is quietly staring at this beautiful incarnation of the changing seasons with a warm merciful smile.