|
Air Assault All The Way.
Join Date: Mar-2004
Location: Huntersville, NC (near Charlotte)
Country: USA
Posts: 1,702
|
Fred,
Your post makes a great deal of sense. What struck me was how many see bonsai as intricately bound to certain religious beliefs. That's certainly a true statement; some do conclude that if you are involved in bonsai, you must be a Buddhist.
You may be interested to know that there are a few small exceptions, specifically in an old Southern Baptist church...mine. My church has a committee that carries the responsibility of having a "flower arrangement" in the sanctuary every Sunday. For many years now, I have provided a bonsai on occasion instead of flowers. The congregation has seen various junipers, pines, maples, crab apples, azaleas, even suiseki. I have been flattered to the point of embarrassment by members who will gather after the service at the pulpit looking at the bonsai and asking questions when they are directed to me. I find great satisfaction in this since my belief is that God is the creator of everything, including the bonsai.
Over time this has served two different advantages. It has introduced bonsai to a wide, diverse group of people who may, normally, never encounter a bonsai display. It does this while dispelling the incorrect belief that bonsai is limited to certain religions, thereby expanding its exposure. Secondly, instead of spending $75 for a flower arrangement for one day, there is no cost incurred, and the arrangement is "reuseable".
I'll admit, that the first few times, I was a little concerned that bonsai would not be well received, but quite the opposite is true. Many people ask if they can come by to see my collection. I feel that this is a very important message to others involved in bonsai. It transcends all "invisible" barriers that we create with our own personal prejudices, either true or untrue.
If you ever considered showing a bonsai in public and you attend a church, you might find a way to do it for the benefit of more than just your own satisfaction. I just wanted to mention that since this post seems the appropriate place for it.
Best regards,
John
__________________
John Dixon
Si vis pacem parabellum
Stay off the trails of others, that's where the booby-traps are.
|