Many love Haiku poetry and have a sensitive heart for Japanese Zen gardens, but little I knew that Moss is an essential feature of these two meditative art forms (nature & poetry based).
“Why Moss?!” one would ask rhetorically. See/enjoy for yourself:
“Hills are empty, no man is seen,
Yet the sound of people’s voices is heard.
Light is cast into the deep forest,
And shines again on green moss.”
by Wang Wei (699-759, written in 730)
Same one that wondered about Moss, if only wandering few steps further into this unique realm of perception, would acknowledge that Japan always was tuned to the power expressed in delicate fine lines, exquisite shadows or brief words that succeed to reveal rich layers of messages and emotionally striking images.
This article was triggered by the Sahaj quotes in white (Haiku like) that had such a lasting impression when reading them, that I’ve felt compelled to share and reveal the subtle connection (Beauty) that binds Sahaja Yoga Meditation and Zen.
“Zen taught that to people. They saw Bliss in seeing only a Moss, a little bit of moss. And you see the Moss and say ” Oh God, what a beautiful piece it is!” God has created a little moss and that moss has all the little, little tentacles and that bliss.” **
And this goes deeper, into the distinction between Confidence and Vanity, between a quality – Confidence - of the centre heart chakra and an Ego induced defect – Vanity – that is actually closing our heart (Anahat) energy centre.
“But those who are vain people can never feel bliss. Vanity kills bliss. Ego kills bliss. Bliss comes to you through your Confidence in yourself. If you have no confidence in yourself, bliss cannot be. And the worst thing against confidence is [to say,] “What should I do? Then how can I get it? Then why do I not have it?” It’s the worst thing. You are fighting yourself all the time. You are that, sitting on that and still if you are saying, “Why shouldn’t I have it” So what to answer? I mean you just want to ask… It’s there. Why are you asking? Just feel it.” **
Now, let’s enjoy once more the oneness between Zen perception and Sahaj wisdom, recognizing the old Zen roots for this tiny though perennial Moss symbol:
“Moss
in the garden
and the blue
of the Sky —
both becoming one;
blossoms
opening to rise
into white clouds
of spring.”
(“Unforgotten Dreams”, Poems by Zen Monk Shotetsu – translated by Steven D. Carter, is the first major compendium of Shotetsu’s medieval poetry translated into the English language – a collection of 200 poems (he wrote over 40,000 during his lifetime)
“If that works out, that you feel where you are sitting, then you will be surprised that you are at Peace with yourself and there is Bliss.” **
** all quotes belong to Shri Mataji – founder of this spontaneous and free meditation system – and were extracted from same excerpt/same talk (The Culture of Sahaja Yoga-1985)
Both Zen and Sahaj Meditation are about Present (moment). Nowadays in this industrial era our collective ego (vanity) is able to trigger or at least encourage some serious climate changes that are affecting our individual and our collective /planetary Present. The eco system is systematically bullied by our egoistical actions.
The article “Climate change threat to Japanese Zen gardens“ from “The Times” is interesting and totally tuned to the theme of our article. Let’s read it.
Hope that this Zen-Sahaj journey will inspire your feedback, maybe even some Haiku verses, like:
“…. I love to look at the crystal clear landscape,
It helps me sustain an empty and clear mind.
On the flat moss, I can sit in stable meditation,
As the wind whips its way deep into the woods…. ” from “Living in Seclusion in The Nanyue Mountains” by Xingche (~ 1606) translated by Beata Grant
Such a poetic and soothing piece! thank you~
Mother Nature has provided all that is needed to empty us of the cacophony of thoughts and connect us to the essence of all creation. No wonder that the ancient sages preferred to retreat to secluded ’shangrilas’!
Beautiful article…
Nurturing
Admiration
True self
Unifying
Resciliant
Energy
I wish for us all to enjoy nature today.
Vanity Trangresses:
Mist nurtures,
While Dew caresses.
Moss endures,
Confidence simply Blesses.
Wonderful to hear from Halton Sahaja Yogis!
Coming from a Hop, and a Skip across the Pond.
Vanity is doubt
It masks our confidence
Which already exists
It is so simple
Just let doubt go
Thank you all for your replies.. thank you for sharing beautiful Haiku.. let’s keep flowing our dialogue over this lovely website .. many thanks to those that felt to be part of our Halton sahaj family even from far away like Germany, Nepal and so on.. Hope to hear from you soon!!
Check up the Testimonials & Articles .. more to come.
[...] Humility plays an important role in the education of an artist, and traditionally for the Classical Indian Dance, the teacher is considered a guru by his/her students. There is no place for Vanity! [...]
Beautiful poems and quotes! It really puts you in that moment of stillness. I am beginning to realize that these moments where I am in nature, in stillness, are exactly the source of bliss. The simplest evidence of nature, if we pay attention, can be a great source of pleasure.