We All Need Some Zen This Spring
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JNTO NEWSLETTER – March 2020 JNTO News and Updates We All Need Some Zen This Spring In these troubled times when so many people are looking for ways to cope, whether they are trying to work from home with children running about, or alone, missing their friends and colleagues, we can all benefit from practices that emphasize well being, calming nerves, and attaining personal fulfilment. Japanese homes are traditionally not large and people are accustomed to sharing small spaces and living in multi-generational homes. Here are a few thoughts from Japan on seeing yourself through this difficult time. Photo: Field of Cloud, Takahara Try to Be Zen Zen Buddhism involves meditation to focus and ease the mind, and to live more simply and organically. The Zen philosophy teaches us to be more reflective of our actions and more appreciative of others. According to Zen, good posture leads to good breathing, which leads to good mind, spirit and energy. We must focus on our breathing, to breath in what we are learning from our experience, what nature is trying to teach us, and how we can actually benefit from it. This exercise of meditation is so therapeutic and relieves us from the anxieties around us. It is highly beneficial to those who practice it. So take some time to adapt Zen Buddhism to your life as we move through this difficult time. It could benefit you and those around you! Photo: Kyoto
Transcript of We All Need Some Zen This Spring
JNTO NEWSLETTER – March 2020
JNTO News and Updates
We All Need Some Zen This Spring
In these troubled times when so many people are looking for ways to cope, whether they are trying to work from home with children running about, or alone, missing their friends and colleagues, we can all benefit from practices that emphasize well being, calming nerves, and attaining personal fulfilment. Japanese homes are traditionally not large and people are accustomed to sharing small spaces and living in multi-generational homes. Here are a few thoughts from Japan on seeing yourself through this difficult time.
Photo: Field of Cloud, Takahara
Try to Be Zen
Zen Buddhism involves meditation to focus and ease the mind, and to live more simply and organically. The Zen philosophy teaches us to be more reflective of our actions and more appreciative of others. According to Zen, good posture leads to good breathing, which leads to good mind, spirit and energy. We must focus on our breathing, to breath in what we are learning from our experience, what nature is trying to teach us, and how we can actually benefit from it. This exercise of meditation is so therapeutic and relieves us from the anxieties around us. It is highly beneficial to those who practice it. So take some time to adapt Zen Buddhism to your life as we move through this difficult time. It could benefit you and those around you!
Photo: Kyoto
Springtime in Japan
As the snow melts, Japan’s verdant forests and parks rejuvenate, and pink and white flowers proliferate. For the Japanese this budding of spring is a symbol of hope for what is to come. During the Vernal Equinox, the Japanese honour their ancestry, and take the time to re-set themselves. This is the time to clean your home, make amends, and finish or start a new hobby. At this time farmers pray for good fortune for the upcoming growing season, and families take the time to reconnect with each other. There is something in this for all of us. Take care of the older people in your life. Take the time to clean your home, put some order in your life and perhaps start something new. Perhaps learn some Japanese so that when this is all behind us, you can visit this rich and diverse country.
Cherry Blossom Festivals
This is the most iconic season in Japan, and because it is so delicate and fleeting it is the symbol for the impermanence of beauty. Because of travel restrictions you won’t see the cherry blossoms in Japan this year, but there are many places right here in Canada where you can witness this glory as it unfolds in spring.
The first Japanese Somei-Yoshino Cherry Tree planted in Toronto 1959 was a gift from the citizens of Tokyo. These trees are the earliest to bloom and are much loved for their fluffy pink and white flowers. Another 34 cherry trees were donated to High Park from the Sakura project. Cherry trees were also donated to other locations in and around Toronto.
Vancouver explodes in all its radiant glory each spring thanks to generous gifts from Japan. In the early 1930s, hundreds of cherry trees were given to the city as a thank you to the Japanese Canadians who served in WWII. Today, the city has over 40,000 trees. The prime places for viewing are Queen Elizabeth Park, Stanley Park and Burrard Skytrain Station.
Most people associate Ottawa with the Tulip Festival but it too enjoys a glorious burst of colour from the Cherry Blossoms. Try the Arboretum for the best viewing. Wherever you are, do get out and enjoy nature but remember to practice social distancing and avoid the crowds. There are Cherry Trees in backyards and parks throughout Canada that offer ample opportunity for quiet contemplation.
Photo: Pilgrimage Route
Japanese Gardens
The original religion of Japan is Shinto, the worship of the forces of nature. Japanese gardens have their roots in Shintoism. Shinto shrines found on beaches and in forests all over the country frequently include unusual rocks or trees. They were often surrounded by white stones or pebbles, a symbol of purity. The white gravel courtyard became a distinctive feature of Japanese gardens found at Shinto shrines, Imperial Palaces, Buddhist Temples and Zen Gardens. At home, with more time, many Canadians are planning to get out and enjoy their gardens. Some are drawing up plans and ordering plants online to get a head start on summer. This might be the perfect time to create a small Japanese garden in your own backyard.
For more information please contact: The Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) directly, email: [email protected] Website: https://www.japan.travel/en/ca/
