Zen Words for Everyday Life Vol. 6

Zen word 春来草自生 (haru kitarite, kusa onozukara shozu) is a proverb that describes the natural unfolding of events in nature: When spring arrives, grass grows and flowers bloom.

It may be tempting to dismiss this as something obvious. However, the only reason it appears obvious is because we take it for granted that we still have air, sunshine, and water. This Zen proverb asks us whether we appreciate this fact on a day-to-day level. Are we even aware of it?

Even if we know that something is obvious in our heads, it is difficult to be constantly conscious of it and put this knowledge into practice.

Let us reflect on some truths that we would normally consider to be obvious.

- Every person that is born will someday die.

- People cannot survive alone. Everyone grows up receiving the help and support of many other people.

- It is a miracle that I am alive right now and have not already lost my life to accident or illness.

These are just examples, but do any of them resonate with you as you read this article?

As we go about our daily lives, do we not place expectations on the people around us, pursue material abundance, and then lament our misfortune when things do not go according to plan and we fail to obtain the riches we seek?

We hope that this year, as spring arrives and you see the grass sprouting and flowers budding, you will take it as an opportunity to reflect on your own life and be grateful for the things you would otherwise take for granted.

Saihoji　 　 FUJITA Ryuko