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.


Ume flowers: Tsurugaoka-hachimangu


Winter Sky: Yuigahama-beach


Jizo-bosatsu: Tokei-ji


Flower buds of Mitsumata: Tokei-ji


January 4, 2015

New Year Sun: Yuigahama-beach, Kamakura



                       Best wishes for a wonderful New Year.
                       May all living things be peaceful and happy.


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.


Colored leaves of maple: Engaku-ji


Autumn grove: Tokei-ji


Autumn leaves: Engaku-ji


Bamboo grove in autumn: Kencho-ji


Autumn leaves: Engaku-ji


Autumn leaves: Engaku-ji


Autumn leaves of maple: Engaku-ji


Autumn leaves: Tsurugaoka-hachimangu


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.

Before my eyes, the cycle of life is revolving ceaselessly and quietly.


Fallen leaves: Jochi-ji



The fallen leaves are protectively embraced in the tangled thread-like green leaves. 

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.


Seitaka-awadachiso (Solidago altissima) flowers: Kita-kamakura


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.


Shumeigiku (Anemone hupehensis var. japonica) flowers: Tokei-ji


Hototogisu (Tricyrtis) flowers: Tokei-ji