By:
Shane Padgett
Bonsai:
Religion or Art Form?
Since its beginnings in
China over two thousand years ago, the art of bonsai has undergone many
changes. Bonsai is the growing of miniaturized trees in small pots or
containers, bon meaning tree and sai meaning pot. For a time, bonsai was
regarded as too spiritually enriching for the masses, and only those of
nobility were permitted to own one. In the fourteenth century, the Chinese
invaded Japan and took with them many aspects of Chinese culture, including
religion, calligraphy and penjing (what the Chinese call bonsai). After the
invasion, the popularity of bonsai fluctuated in and out mostly because of fashion. But the development of bonsai as we
know it really began over the past century. The Japanese love nature. Their
increasing artistic awareness and the teachings of Zen Buddhism combine to
influence the further evolution of bonsai to the sophisticated art form that it
is today. It wasn’t until the end of World War II that the hobby began to catch
on in the west. GI’s returning from Japan brought with them small examples of
bonsai trees. Of course, many of them survived for only a short time, but there
were enough people curious enough to learn how to care for them properly. The
Japanese population in the United States was a major source of information, and
for many years their knowledge and skills were in demand throughout the western
world.
With
the high interest in the subject of bonsai, I recently visited a local bonsai
garden. It belongs to a couple, Steve and Chery Cratty and is located near
Cleveland, Georgia. Steve and Chery have many examples of well manicured trees,
some new and some over one hundred years old. Steve first encountered bonsai
trees in 1975 at a display in Nashville, Tennessee. A few years later after he
and Chery married, they opened a landscaping business and grew around six
bonsai trees. Although the trees were very young, they quickly sold and Steve
found that he was not the only person in the area extremely interested in
bonsai. So, in 1986 Steve and Chery opened up their first bonsai garden. They
have trees of their own, they have trees for sale, and they have trees they
take care of for customers. Steve does not consider himself a “Bonsai Master”,
but he is very knowledgeable and experienced in the art form. Some of the
couple’s favorite bonsai trees to work with are Boxwoods and certain Plum
varieties. They do not consider bonsai to be a deeply religious experience for
themselves, but find that it can soothe and calm the soul. They believe that
God is in everything- including their bonsai. Chery says, that she finds that
the trees seem to “talk” to her. For example, if a tree needs to be watered or
is extremely dry or in bad shape it’s practically impossible for her to walk by
without helping mend the situation. Chery says, “Bonsai can be whatever you
make it, it can be as meaningless as you want it- or as meaningful as you make
it, it’s all up to you.”
I
agree with their statements. In my experiences with my personal garden of
bonsai trees, I find relaxation and refreshment. When I trim a tree or water a
dry one, I feel like I am helping my plants to thrive and grow. Whenever a new
bud pops, I feel as though that tree is showing appreciation for my efforts.
The trees can refresh me as well. I feel like nature- specifically bonsai helps
me to connect with God and His creation. The beauty of bonsai is a reflection
of Gods wondrous power and uniqueness, no two trees are alike. Each tree
requires special attention and daily care. Sometimes my experiences with my
trees can almost be a form of prayer- very serene and fulfilling.
Some
religious aspects of the early art form range from mere philosophy, to deeply
embedded beliefs. Perhaps the most significant influence was the Chinese Zen
religion, whose monks played a leading role in introducing bonsai. The Zen
religion is sometimes defined as, the practice that helps every human being to
penetrate his true self through cross legged sitting (Zazen), and to vitalize
this self in daily life. This definition, of course, does not cover all of Zen.
But, it does include the important elements. The three basic points in the
definition are: 1) The practice of Zazen, 2) penetrating to the true self, and
3) vitalizing the true self in daily life. Zen teaches that practice and
enlightenment are merged together and cannot be separated from each other. It
is considered a branch of Buddhism and has a rather vague definition. One man
said, “ Zen is more than a religion; instead, it is an attitude toward life, a
philosophy of life, you may say. Zen allows us to enjoy life with a peace of
mind. Zen makes room for us to see that mountains stand still, water flows,
birds fly, flowers bloom, clouds drift, and wind blows.” It has been the major
source of religion found in the art form of bonsai. It is a supposed connection
with the earth through the trees and conveys a meaning that involves ‘finding
your true self’. Buddhism is also a main part of bonsai, seeing that Zen stems
from Buddhism. It entails the teachings of the great Buddha, who believed in
the denial of a creator god, denial of the individual soul, the Four Noble
Truths, the Middle Way, the Noble Eightfold Path, and in nirvana.
Bonsai
is a cherished art form that can entangle beliefs and feelings through growth.
My experience in the Cratty’s garden was very interesting. The Cratty’s
religious beliefs were not as deeply embedded as in some cases with bonsai.
But, bonsai can always be considered a relaxing, peaceful experience. “Some people
have so much other stuff going on in their lives that bonsai is their only
release. It can be very helpful in the relaxation process” Chery said. From its
earliest beginnings in ancient China bonsai has been a beautiful art form that
has lasted through the centuries. Sometimes considered a religious outlet,
bonsai can be made into whatever you wish for it to be. That’s why I appreciate
the art form more than any other. Here in the United States there are only six
Bonsai Masters. This leads me to believe bonsai in the western world is more of
an art form than a religious experience. Bonsai is different for every
individual. Whether you believe in Buddha, practice Zen, or neither- bonsai can
be whatever you make it.
Bibliography
Cratty,
Chery. Personal interview. April 22, 2000.
Cratty,
Steve. Personal interview. April 22, 2000.
Lewis,
Colin (1997). Bonsai: A Care Manual (pp. 6-10 ). San Diego, CA: Laurel
Glen Publishing.
Lewis,
Colin (1996). Bonsai Survival Manual (pp. 8-12). Pownal , VT: Storey
Communications, Inc.
Nigosian,
S.A. (2000). World Religions: A Historical Approach (pp.68-101). Boston,
Mass: Macmillan Press Ltd.
Wang,
Nyling (2000). Buddhism: From Aesthetic Religion to Aesthetic Philosophy.
Retrieved April 23, 2000 from the World Wide
Web : http://www.china-net.org/CCF95?ccf9551-3html
Waxman, Danny (2000). Q and A about Zen. Retrieved April 23, 2000 from the World Wide Web: http://www.zenki.com/QandA.html
Content Review Questions:
1) According to the author's personal experience, on what do Bonsai trees help him focus?
2) With what religion is Bonsai often associated?
Content Review Answers:
1) Self-reflection, prayer, and God.2) Zen Buddhism, although it is not intrinsic to Bonsai.
Global Connections Questions:
1) Besides the Japanese, what other East Asian culture has a tradition of Bonsai?
2) From where did Buddhism originate and absorb local elements of Zen before becoming Japanese Zen Buddhsim?
Global Connections Answers:
1) The Chinese
2) Buddhism originated in India, took on elements of Zen (Chan) as it passed through China, before becoming Zen Buddhism in Japan.
Research Activities:
1) In the first paragraph of this presentation is the following assertion: "In the fourteenth century, the Chinese invaded Japan and took with them many aspects of Chinese culture . . . including religion, calligraphy and penjing (what the Chinese call bonsai)." Someone needs to verify this assertion with sources. Most history books make the generalization that the Japanese had never been successfully invaded in its history. The Mongols, when they ruled as the Qing dynasty in China, attempted but failed to invade Japan. It is possible, however, that an island or two were controlled long enough to "rediscover" Japanized Chinese traditions like bonsai, but religion, and calligraphy was already firmly established in China. If the author of this presentation meant to say that the Japanese invaded China and returned with these arts, then that would need to be checked too. Japan did invade Korea successfully in the 17th century, but China will need to be verified.
3) If you haven't seen it yet, watch the movie Karate Kid II and make further interpretations regarding the significance of Bonsai. Take notes as you watch the movie and make a present your findings to class. How does this movie portray Bonsai to the American and English-speaking audience? As a religion? An art? Or something wholly personal as the author of this presentation concludes?