bonsaiTALK Community - View Single Post - Good Article On Zen And East/West Arts

Good article Paul,
Thanks for providing the link.

Applying the Zen principles to bonsai, literati style is clearly the bonsai personification of Zen. Mame bonsai comes second in mind, where you need to make do with just a couple of branches in representing the whole tree.
Chinese penjing also applies elements of Zen aesthetics with its rawness, spontaneity, controlled flaws and minimalist tendencies.

On the other end of the spectrum, there is the massive taper, luxuriant, well groomed foliage, lots of detailed carving, overall imposing and powerful tree. That is the opposite to zen.

Tropical bonsai is the absolute antithesis of zen, with its abundant, lush foliage.

It has a lot to do with the environment where the tree is from. An austere, punishing climate lends itself easily to applying zen principles. Zen minimalism looks out of place in a warm, humid, abundant environment.

Best wishes,
Attila

4-Nov-2003	#2
Attila Attila Soos Join Date: Jan-2002 Location: Los Angeles, California Country: USA Posts: 2,003	Good article Paul, Thanks for providing the link. Applying the Zen principles to bonsai, literati style is clearly the bonsai personification of Zen. Mame bonsai comes second in mind, where you need to make do with just a couple of branches in representing the whole tree. Chinese penjing also applies elements of Zen aesthetics with its rawness, spontaneity, controlled flaws and minimalist tendencies. On the other end of the spectrum, there is the massive taper, luxuriant, well groomed foliage, lots of detailed carving, overall imposing and powerful tree. That is the opposite to zen. Tropical bonsai is the absolute antithesis of zen, with its abundant, lush foliage. It has a lot to do with the environment where the tree is from. An austere, punishing climate lends itself easily to applying zen principles. Zen minimalism looks out of place in a warm, humid, abundant environment. Best wishes, Attila