Usually, I spend my summers traveling around North America trying to visit as many publicly accessible Japanese gardens as possible. Unfortunately, Covid-19 has made that interest (or obsession) near impossible.
So, this summer, I spent all of my time engaged in yard work and garden maintenance. The garden has matured over the last decade and is for the most part self sustaining. With the exception of plant-eating critters, I only need to weed occasionally. I kept big projects to a minimum this summer as well. As a result, I had lots of time to sit and relax and enjoy the beauty of the garden.
I've reflected a great deal this summer, and even found inspiration in the works of Laozi (老子) and the Dàodé Jīng (道德經):
#80
If a country is governed wisely,
its inhabitants will be content.
They enjoy the labor of their hands
and don't waste time inventing
labor-saving machines.
Since they dearly love their homes,
they aren't interested in travel.
There may be a few wagons and boats,
but these don't go anywhere.
There may be an arsenal of weapons,
but nobody ever uses them.
People enjoy their food,
take pleasure in being with their families,
spend weekends working in their gardens,
delight in the doings of the neighborhood.
And even though the next country is so close
that people can hear its roosters crowing and its dogs barking,
they are content to die of old age
without ever having gone to see it.
So, I learned to make sacrifices, change, and grow as a human being and dream of the possibility of a more peaceful world. Being surrounded by the beauty of the garden makes it all the more possible. My only sadness comes from knowing that others may not be as fortunate.
Wanting to share the experience of the garden with those who are unable to visit in person, I have compiled the best photos from this summer's blog entries into a digital slideshow. In these times of stress and anxiety, perhaps these images will help provide a few brief moments for relaxation and peace.
Enjoy!
