"Wherever there is a stream and pleasant mountains, there's my hut;
But what I like most is where the bamboos are thick.
The gate is kept closed--it is not that I don't care to see companionable visitors
But that I still have some books to read for my daily lesson."
~from Zen and Japanese Culture by D. T. Suzuki
I've never been to Japan, but I resonate with the above painting and inscription.
From the corner of the world where I happen to live, here is an ordinary desert landscape:
The landscape includes mountains and a little stream. I like to walk to where "the bamboos are thick" which is for me is where there are trees and it's quiet. Here are some of the "books" I like to read:
The place where I walk is rather popular and people like to talk as they walk. Their conversations (often into cell phones) seem to revolve around their work, relationships, shopping, and restaurants. Rarely does the chatter acknowledge anything in the landscape where they are. It's ironic that most of the visitors pay to park at the forest, yet seem oblivious to the natural wonders that surround them. Yes, the people are a part of the landscape, an interesting part, and I'm grateful that they are there. And, they probably don't mind (or even notice) if I venture off to where the "bamboos are thick" to study nature.
Here's a cool web page on How to Read a Landscape.
My World Tuesday is a fun photo meme for sharing views from around the world, hosted each week by Klaus and the My World team, Klaus, Sandy, Wren, Fishing Guy and Sylvia.
31 comments:
Fantastic captures, Diane! I've never been to Japan, but I did work for a Japanese company until I retired. I was the assistant to the president and most of my job was being the contact person for all the Japanese employees both in the states and Japan. I did study Japanese and learned it well enough to be able to communicate with them. I learned so much about the culture and the people and their history. It was a really terrific experience. Your first photo triggered a lot of lovely memories! Thanks!! Hope you have a great week!
Sylvia
What a wonderful post, Diane! I love the idea of walking 'where the bamboos are thick' - and this is what I like to do too. I'm lucky in that the people I often go walking with like to talk about the landscape we are in, and also appreciate companionable silence.
These are lovely photographs. I was in Arizona many years ago and can still remember the subtle shades I spied amid the landscapes. Grass free lawns that featured cacti in front yards also intrigued me. It is very different in my part of the world. I love the contrast and the silence when I can find it.:)
Wonderful post and photos. I love visiting parks and seeing nature. The turtle is a great shot.
I love visiting the place, I even want to stay there.
Amen, Diane... I love to get out in nature --just to get away from the world. When George and I are deep in the woods (and nobody is around but us) ---and then come upon a gorgeous waterfall in those woods, I feel as if I have died and gone to heaven. It's AWESOME.
Love seeing pictures of your part of the world.... Thanks for sharing.
Hugs,
Betsy
Beautiful landscape and wonderful shots. You stay in a interesting place.
I would like to visit your library!
you are so right....no one stops to really LOOK at the beauty of nature anymore to marvel at it...except us photographers, that is.
Anything but an ordinary landscape. I certainly would be in heaven in your surroundings. Deserts have a magnetic pull for me anyway and yours is so lush it actually looks almost like a tropical paradise.
I very much like your variety of "books." I miss that "ordinary landscape," and would give almost anything to be back there enjoying it again. However, we are doing our best to notice our surroundings and wildlife here - which should be a lot easier now that the leaves have come off the trees.
Thanks Diane for this lovely and inspiring post!
You are lucky, Diane, to have such beauty close by to study and appreciate. Love Mr Turtle!
Some are just out for exercise and are oblivious of the world around them. I am often guilty. Lately, though, we have been going to some nearby ponds and waiting patiently and oh the rewards. I've seen some wonderful things,and captured them with my camera.
That's a beautiful painting Diane! I think the place you are living in right now is as wonderful. I have enjoyed your surroundings by looking at your photos. From the magnificent landscape to focus on one object... they all look unusual to me. All so uniquely yours/to the place where you are!
Lovely snaps! The leaf snap is very beautiful.
The Japanese painting and inscription are quite beautiful. Yet there is nothing ordinary about your desert. Enjoy walking into the cactus. Well not literally.
THe first photo is a gem. We do learn all the time, don't we?!
What a wonderful poem and photos. I'm so glad you were there to notice the beauty of nature.
I’ve never been to Japan either.
Your photos are cool. Thanks for sharing them.
All the best, Boonie
Gorgeous photos Diane, but what you're saying is so true. Living in the middle of the city, I don't often see places like yours, but I notice the beautiful little things around me. I can stand there looking at the sky and amazed, while others stand next to me but see nothing..
The painting is simply gorgeous, and your photos are just true to nature! Beautiful world!
Oooohhh! What a beautiful landscape! I NEVER talk on my phone...I do take it with me in case of an emergency! I'm going to have to investigate the water course some weekend where I walk. There are palm trees and reeds there. Thank you for sharing your world! Come see mine!
Hi Diane. The desert is such a natural for zen. The power and simplicity of nature.
great stuff! i think cell phones need to be outlawed in a lot of places, including trails- makes me crazy! is that a desert tortoise? looks like a great little spot!
Very beautiful place!
Wonderful post!
It is the same in Sweden. People talk in those phones everywhere. Never enjoying what they are doing, Just talking!
You have a very nice little corner of the world. At least you enjoys it. :)
Lovely captures. I suppose they are only possible if you leave the chattering people behind and find you little quiet area amongst the trees.
All gorgeous pictures!
Your photos are so amazing. I love the desert landscape, it is so beautiful!
Such a wonderful post, Diane. From start to finish, from drawing to photos, from quote to experience - great. And thank you for the link to 'read a landscape'...!
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