My photographic notes about the four seasons in Kamakura or the gardens of Zen
January 30, 2015
Frozen pond: Engaku-ji
In the bitterly cold wind blowing down from the iron-blue winter sky, the quiet pond is completely covered with the thin sheets of ice.
The deep green of cedar trees is mistily reflected in the dark surface of the frozen pond.
The chilly stillness of midwinter is prevailing over this bleak garden to try to freeze even the currents of time.
Living creatures are staying absolutely still with bated breath, patiently waiting for the arrival of their spring.
Ume flowers: Kaizo-ji
Although winter is yet to move away, the flowers of Ume (Japanese apricot) have just begun blooming as if they sensed the faint sign of spring in a chilly wind.
In the wintry garden which almost lacks in color, the warm glows of these flowers let us know the gradual approach of the early spring.
Ice lumps: Engaku-ji
In the weak sunlight of a chilly afternoon, the ice lumps are slowly melting on the round water in the old stone washbasin.
January 4, 2015
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.
November 3, 2014
Autumn leaves: Kaizo-ji
The vivid colors of autumn are gradually coming
back to the garden of Zen after a lapse of one year.
As coldness increases bit by bit, the
leaves of all deciduous trees are changing colors beautifully to prepare for
their scattering in winter.
Bamboo grove: Jochi-ji
The whole body of a bamboo grove is a unitary life-form, which continues its constant and rapid growth determinedly without any decline.
The ever-changing beauty of a bamboo grove, which I find in all seasons, must derive from the amazing vital force of this tireless plant.
Japanese Oak Silkmoth: Engaku-ji
A beautiful silk-moth is tightly clinging to the stone image of Nyoi-rin-kannon as if to ask for teachings and protection from this deity of mercy.
"Nyoi" stands for the precious orb which brings wisdom and happiness and "Rin" means the chakra which smashes any earthly desire. Nyoi-rin-kannon hold these divine belongings to bring salvation for all living things.
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