Bonsai Tree Philosophy

This is the real goal the daily here and now not some indistinct point in the future.

Bonsai tree philosophy. In national geographic s american shokunin just above the titular bonsai cultivator shokunin has a meaning similar to craftsman or artisan japan trained oregon based ryan neil expands on what bonsai teaches. Bonsai is enlightenment and brings peace. Sign in to youtube. The bonsai tree historically symbolizes balance simplicity and harmony three invaluable qualities embraced within our unique philosophy.

The word bonsai in japanese translates literally into planting in a container dish or tray and was developed as part of the practice of zen buddhism. It s the duty of all of us that love bonsai to keep alive this torch of peace people who love bonsai appreciate the beauty of nature and plant trees in small containers. It is well known and appreciated. Rules for a good life lao tzu by terry french sounds of zen.

It also has the philosophy that seeks to draw our attention on the human soul serenity and knowledge. Similar practices exist in other cultures including the chinese tradition of penzai or penjing from which the art originated and the miniature living landscapes of vietnamese hòn. What is a bonsai tree. From there it caught on in more recent times in western countries first in europe and then in the united states.

He speaks of duty again in the essay s closing phrases saying that it is the responsibility of those who grow bonsai to be diligent and their duty to continue to carry on. It is in the meditative daily care that you give it. In japan bonsai has an ancient history borne of nature. Knowledge that can sustain the personal joy it gives to its carer and the wisdom the receiver gets through the attainment of knowledge.

No the art and philosophy of bonsai is in the path along the way. Simplicity in this day and age children are often overstimulated by technology and pop culture consumer goods while so many educational opportunities and helpful tools can be found within imaginative engagement with nature art and play. Tray planting pronounced is a japanese art form which utilizes cultivation techniques to produce in containers small trees that mimic the shape and scale of full size trees. The bonsai tree in its true representation seeks to allow the gardener to learn and respect nature and life.

The philosophy of bonsai is inspiring in the way it calls those of us who love bonsai to duty to keep the tradition alive. In fact the term bonsai literally means planted in a container in japanese. A bonsai tree is a miniature tree that is planted within a container.