Chinese Bonsai Blog

Many people already know that the art of bonsai can be an exercise in meditation. When you’re “in the zone” and trying to envision the most natural, harmonious composition for your beloved little tree, you’re in a different state of mind: one that is open and flowing. Through the “soundless poetry” of bonsai or penjing, we are able to express themes of universal beauty and timeless truth.

I just discovered Karin Albert, a Chinese bonsai (penjing) specialist who studied and researched penjing during a five-year stay in China in the 1980s. She has a really great (but old) website at http://www.venuscomm.com/. On her website, I was reading more about the spiritual aspects of Chinese bonsai.

Karin Albert says that in order to understand bonsai and penjing, you have to look at it with two things in mind: the two main Chinese traditions of Taoism and Zen Buddhism. Each philosophy contributes very important ideas to the whole practice of creating little trees and landscapes.

For example, Taoism emphasizes nature and creativity, and teaches us to forget about thinking “inside the box.” It’s important to understand that as long as you “edit” yourself and keep comparing yourself with established rules and conventions, you will not be free to be as creative as possible. Once you are able to liberate yourself, you can unleash your mind so that it is naturally able to create amazing art with your miniature trees or landscapes.

On the other hand, Zen Buddhism (remember, Buddhism originally came from India; Zen Buddhism came into existence once Chinese Taoists interpreted the sutras) emphasizes meditation as the best way to help the mind to become enlightened, able to flow without any blockage. Zen Buddhists believe that enlightenment is everywhere.

I think that we can find enlightenment even (especially!) when we experience “sudden awakenings” while styling our bonsai trees. What do you think?