"Think" article on bonsai

[rockm]

This article linked below was included in the National Bonsai Foundation's email newsletter (if you don't get it, it's a great resource). The article is a bit too "woo-woo" for me, but it's interesting. The influence of "Zen-buddhism" on bonsai is IMO, overblown. It's certainly a component, but there's more going on than that. The article also retains the western romantic notion that bonsai are young trees trained to look old, or are grown from seed. Not the case, even for many revered Japanese bonsai.

The secret philosophy of cultivating a bonsai tree

To be successful at bonsai cultivation, you must acquire the perseverance and unconditional kindness normally reserved for devout monks.

bigthink.com

 

[bonsaiboy60077]

very interesting

 

[penumbra]

Enjoyed the article and felt all connections to origin and the philosophical motivations are apt.
I did read it prior to your posting it, but am very glad you took the time to post it. I don't know why it never occurred to me.