Bonsai No Kokoro (The Spirit of Bonsai)
by Ted Tsukiyama
Thus says the Lord God: “I myself will take a sprig from the lofty top of the cedar, and will set it out; I will break off from the topmost of its young twigs a tender one, and I myself will plant it upon a high and lofty mountain height of Israel, will I plant it, that it may bring forth boughs and bear fruit and will become a noble cedar; and under it will dwell all kinds of beasts; in the shade of its branches birds of every sort will nest. And all the trees of the field shall know that I the Lord bring low the high tree dry up the green tree and make the dry tree flourish. I the Lord has spoken . . .” (Ezekiel 17:22-26)
These sonorous words from the Scripture reading snapped my head up from my usual dozing at Sunday worship as it flashed upon me, “Wow! God is making “sashiki” (propagation by cuttings)!” An immediate realization struck me, how could this cedar sprigs take root, survive and flourish on that arid, hostile, windswept mountain top of Israel, except by the hand of God. This passage must have been the inspiration for Joyce Kilmer’s famous poem “Trees” that ends with the line, “Only God can make a tree.”
Regardless of what religious persuasion, Jewish, Protestant, Moslem, Hindu, Buddhist, etc., each faith recognizes and maintains a universal belief that there is a higher source of creation, energy and nature, by whatever name it is called, that fosters, sustains and nourishes all green things that grow in the universe, that truly, God is Nature. This is fundamental to the understanding and appreciation of bonsai. This, I thought, was a most appropriate introduction to the discussion of “The Spirit of Bonsai” -- that higher level, that deeper meaning, truth and dimension of that joyously wonderful world of bonsai.
“The Spirit of Bonsai” is hard to describe or communicate in mere words. More actually, it is a feeling, an instinct, a medium of expression for love of nature and of man. In commonplace expression, “if you don’t feel it, you ain’t got it.” From the very beginning of my bonsai adventure and for the longest time, I have been vaguely conscious of some deeper meaning in bonsai, of some broad and mysterious energy, force and creativity exuding from bonsai. Why is it that when I am caring or training my bonsai, time passes with unconscious oblivion? Why is it that when I return from a day’s work tired, eyes burning and shoulders aching, these symptoms disappear after a few minutes of watering my plants? Why is it that when I am flu-stricken and ill at home, when I go outside to pull a few weeds, pinch off a few sprigs, my coughing stops and the sore throat and aching muscles disappear? Is there a restorative, healing, balming touch of nature in these plants? I continue to wonder whether there must not be another level, a loftier or deeper perspective behind bonsai, but I pondered in silence, afraid to ask others.
The answer first came to me when I met the grand bonsai master from Japan, Saburo Kato, when he first visited Hawaii nine years ago. He is now the Chief Director of the prestigious Japan Bonsai Association. No one who was privileged to escort him through the Hawaii bonsai collections could fail to be impressed and inspired by this man who, despite his acclaimed stature as one of the finest bonsai artists and craftsmen in the world, was a gracious, humble, considerate and warm human. So inspired was I that I composed an article “A Visit with a Bonsai Master” and submitted it to the BCI Magazine. 1
So when the Hawaii Bonsai Association planned for the IBC ’80 in Hawaii, we demanded of ourselves to have no one less than Kato Sensei (“teacher” or “master”) to headline our main demonstration. As all of those who attended IBC ’80 in Honolulu will attest. Kato Sensei lived up to our every expectation, not only by his artful crating of a beautiful 37-trunk ficus benjamina “yoseue” group planting, but by his enlightening explanation of the spirit and soul of bonsai “Bonsai No Kokoro.” I share the translation of that introduction with you here.
All of you here with an interest in bonsai have been “chosen by bonsai.” We are united in the brotherhood of bonsai. It’s wonderful to gather together.
In Japan bonsai has an ancient history borne of nature. Bonsai is enlightenment and brings peace. It is well known and appreciated. It’s the duty of all of us who love bonsai to keep alive this “torch of peace.”
People who love bonsai appreciate the beauty of nature and plant trees in small containers. In doing so, they learn from nature and learn a philosophy of life. Even a person who doesn’t understand bonsai can appreciate and be moved by its beauty. The power of bonsai is in its ability to portray the utmost beauty of nature. This is the goal of all who grow bonsai.
There are three important things to consider:
First, the roots. When looking at an old tree, the roots form the foundation and gives strength. This is impressive and inspiring. Strong roots of large trees protect other smaller trees in a flood or storm. These firmly rooted trees give us a feeling of stability and security. In the case of bonsai, this should also be true.
Second, the trunk and the way it’s formed. In the case of the solitary tree, it’s especially important as to how the trunk emerges from the roots and the rising taper that it develops. After many years the aged characteristics and the bark appear and you can sense the added character and personality of each tree.
Third, the branches. These face the sky and are balanced and must have sunlight to flourish. Because branches and leaves are growing strongly, beautiful flowers can bloom. Even though growing vigorously and flowers are blooming, you must not be complacent and must be very diligent in the case of your plants. This care is important.
Everyone here has gathered together from distant places. In each of your countries you have mountains, rivers, woods and forests. These are beautiful scenes to inspire you. Choose the most beautiful examples for your bonsai. Do not just copy anything. Rather, make your bonsai like the best parts of nature!
To raise bonsai it is very important to learn the strong and weak points of each plant. Raising bonsai is like raising children. Be a teacher and a guide but with patience and loving care. Treat your plants as you do your family. I’m sure that each of you will also be able to create and grow beautiful bonsai.
Bonsai is a living thing in the roots and even in the leaves. Everyday that you are attending your bonsai, although the plant cannot speak to you, you’ll sense that the plant is trying to tell you something. You’ll one day know a plant is asking for water or fertilizer. When you come to that stage, you’ll have developed a close bond. Bonsai responds to your love and becomes like honest friends with no human falsehoods or betrayals.
Bonsai are loyal if you water and fertilize regularly with loving care. Life is more meaningful when we attend these little plants. We learn the essence and dignity of life! Even the life of a bonsai is older than us. So bonsai must be passed on to the next generation to preserve the life in the tray. This is important.
Bonsai is a God-given gift to man. This form of nature is the closest to man and portrays the drama of life. Bonsai is nature without an end. So those who grow bonsai have a responsibility to be diligent and a duty to continue to carry on.
In conclusion, I hope that the art of bonsai will never die and will keep the torch of peace burning throughout the world. I hope closer and deeper friendships will tie us together.
“Bonsai No Kokoro” as interpreted by Kato Sensei teaches us that there are at least three identifiable basic dimensions to bonsai: (1) bonsai’s relationship to nature, (2) your relationship to bonsai, and (3) your relationship to fellow bonsaists. Please notice that nowhere does it state that “Bonsai No Kokoro” requires that you be technically knowledgeable or formally correct and to comply with the traditional rules and principles in making bonsai. Let us examine then what “Bonsai No Kokoro” really means.
1. Relationship to Nature. If one loves nature, love of bonsai will come readily, for “bonsai is borne of nature.” Bonsai is a reflection and emulation of nature in the miniature. Nature is beauty, and the power of bonsai is in its ability “to portray the utmost beauty of nature.” So, true bonsai is a reflection of the beauty and peace of nature, for as the Sensei said, “Let beautiful scenes in nature inspire and serve as examples for creating bonsai.” Nature is peace and enlightenment, and one can learn a philosophy of life from nature. We are urged to achieve peace and brotherhood through bonsai. Also, he observed “Bonsai is nature without end,” because it has the capacity of longevity and to live longer and out survive us, thus, it can serve as a living and surviving memorial of our love of nature.
2. Relationship to Bonsai. You can establish a definite relationship with your bonsai, because as Kato Sensei said: “Every bonsai is a living creature with a soul that we must come in touch with.” He explained, bonsai is a living thing that communicates with you, if you will let it. If you care for it with love, it speaks to you and tells you of its needs and when it is happy, it responds to your loving care. Raising bonsai is like raising your own children, to be guided and taught with patience and loving care.
Concluding his Hawaiian visit nine years ago, I apologized to Sensei that our bonsai could not even compare with those of Japan, to which his unforgettable response was, he is never impressed by technically perfect bonsai purchased at great cost and ostentatiously displayed for its age and pricelessness, so much as seeing the loving attention, care and effort exuding from a simple bonsai created by an earnest and loving bonsai devotee way out in some countryside. He was subtlety but graciously complimenting us that the plants he saw attested to a loving relationship between tree and man. His message was unmistakable: The true spirit of bonsai looks not to rigid, technical form and perfection but is more concerned with the attention, love, care and devotion that one lavishes upon his little tree.
3. Relationship to Fellow Man. Kato Sensei greeted us at IBC ’80 with the words “We are united in the brotherhood of bonsai,” because bonsai is universal and a bond of brotherhood and friendship uniting all those who love bonsai, regardless of nationality, culture or ethnicity. This was in exact keeping with the theme of IBC ’80. “Bonsai -- A Bridge to International Friendship.” Looking over the bonsai enthusiasts from Canada, Mexico, Venezuela, Argentina, Australia, New Zealand, Philippines, Japan and America gathered at IBC ’80, he closed with the hope that “the art of bonsai will never die and will keep the torch of peace and friendship burning throughout the world.”
How is man touched by the true spirit of bonsai? As the Master said, life becomes more meaningful from loving care of these plants, from which we learn “the essence and dignity of life.” Those who love bonsai find themselves drawn and bound together in great mutual understanding, tolerance and friendship. Kato Sensei exemplifies the true “Bonsai No Kokoro” to his fellow man. Kato Sensei’s parting words to us on his Hawaii visit were, “Thank you for the privilege of being introduced to a new world of bonsai here -- it truly exceeded my expectations.” We were not deserving of these kind of words. Notwithstanding his acknowledged giant standing in the world of bonsai, Kato Sensei impressed us foremost as a gracious, humble, considerate and appreciative person having generous words of encouragement for us all. No wonder he is considered one of the “living treasures of bonsai” in Japan.
Yet, but contrast, too many of us acquire just a little bit of experience and knowledge in bonsai and we become proud, elitist, competitive and uncaring. If the greatest bonsai master in the world can be so humble considerate and sharing, how can any of us far below him in bonsai standing dare to become selfish, arrogant and conceited about his or her bonsai?
And how can bonsai organizations and groups be touched by the “Spirit of Bonsai?” For any groups who organize and gather in common pursuit and advancement of this horticultural art, the true “Spirit of Bonsai” must prevail and come first, above and before any one individual in the group, if success is to be achieved. Every bonsai group represents a collection and gathering of diverse and sometimes clashing personalities, but unless each personal ego is not willing to be subordinated to the overriding common cause of love and advancement of bonsai, the true spirit and rewards of bonsai will never be experienced or achieved.
For instance, our Hawaii Bonsai Association has more than its share of dissimilar, clashing human personalities, but our first effort ever to promote an international bonsai convention in IBC ’80 succeeded only because we exerted a team effort to achieve common goals by ignoring or buying our individual ego trips. We have no masters or stars amongst us because our elder statesman, Papa Kaneshiro, refuses to assume that role he has earned and deserves. Instead of a “guru system,” our Association is based upon an “ohana system” (extended family), as best exemplified by the three bonsai teams simultaneously demonstrating on three separate trees comprising Hawaii’s “three-ring” presentation at IBC ’80, much to the appreciation, amazement and delight of that audience.
An ideal bonsai community is like the “yoseue” group planting; comprised of many individual trees of different height, girth, shape and appearance, but grouped, arranged and planted into one harmonious aesthetic whole. Each separate tree contributes to the creation of a beautiful forest grouping. Likewise, the integrated, cohesive group bonded together by the common purpose of bonsai becomes more important and effective than any one member of that group. We hope that your Big Island Bonsai Association, in it’s organization and continuing bonsai activity, will emulate and follow the “yoseue” concept and model. Keep bonsai first and foremost, the individual must come second. Success will then be assured always.