Bonsai Tree Philosophy

Not just how to artistically grow small trees that resemble big ones but what it takes to commune with nature and attain mastery.

Bonsai tree philosophy. The philosophy of bonsai is inspiring in the way it calls those of us who love bonsai to duty to keep the tradition alive. The bonsai tree in its true representation seeks to allow the gardener to learn and respect nature and life. 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. Pretty much as simple as that.

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. A bonsai tree is a miniature tree that is planted within a container. In japan bonsai has an ancient history borne of nature. From there it caught on in more recent times in western countries first in europe and then in the united states.

It is in the meditative daily care that you give it. 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. Knowledge that can sustain the personal joy it gives to its carer and the wisdom the receiver gets through the attainment of knowledge. What is a bonsai tree.

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. 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 also has the philosophy that seeks to draw our attention on the human soul serenity and knowledge. Rules for a good life lao tzu by terry french sounds of zen.

This is the real goal the daily here and now not some indistinct point in the future. Sign in to youtube. Bonsai is enlightenment and brings peace. In fact the term bonsai literally means planted in a container in japanese.

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 historically symbolizes balance simplicity and harmony three invaluable qualities embraced within our unique philosophy. 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.