The Spirit Of Bonsai Design By Chye Tan

pdbbonsai

The Spirit of Bonsai Design by Chye Tan
Combine the power of Zen and nature
Link to details (posted by ADMIN)

This is a book that I have recently picked up. For $25 USD, it is a great combination of the principles of Zen and the care of bonsai. Along with traditional Japanese methods of training, the author uses his own talents in this book.

The book begins with a Gallery of Zen bonsai and follows on with design fundamentals, redirections of established trees, the styles, techniques and display. It ends with some basic horticultural charts, Bonsai Garden address from around the world (I was happy to see our Minnesota Como Park listed) and a glossary.

Awhile back I asked a question regarding choosing pots. The author goes in depth to explain how and why when choosing pots. Display stands, three point displays and other display interests are well covered also.

If you are looking for good bonsai design books. I highly recommend this one and....

David Degroots Basic Bonsai Design
Colin Lewis The Art of Bonsai Design


Anyhoot thats my two cents about another great book in my collection of great books.

Paul

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Carl_Bergstrom

Alright, Paul, this is interesting stuff.

I haven't read this one yet, but I did hear about it. And to be honest, my initial impression was approximately "What the hell does Zen Buddhism have to do with Bonsai, other than the fact that they're both Chinese in origin and Japanese in refinement?"

Is this any more meaning a combination than a book on say The Spirit of Needlepoint: Combine the power of Christianity and Cross-stitch.

I guess I expected that the zen/bonsai connection would most likely just be capitalizing on a mystification/fetishization of all things oriental on the part of Westerners. So here's my question. Does the book really do the practice of Zen Buddhism justice, or does spout some Alan Watts mumbo-jumbo about balance, harmony, and interconnection, and call that by the name Zen?

Best regards,
Carl

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bonsaial1

I thinks me senses some bad Kharma coming soon!

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pdbbonsai

It is more about the Zen aesthetics. It has nothing to do with the religious aspect of Zen budhhism, but how you are visually and emotionally connected to what you create, and see within your bonsai.....

Does that make any sense?

Paul

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It is essential to experience all the times and moods of one good place. (Thomas Merton)

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Carl_Bergstrom

It does make sense, but I suspect (still not having read the book) that the word "Zen" is merely a flashy (and highly inaccurate) way of referring to a general set of aesthetic principles that have little to do with Zen beyond a common geographic origin. Or to put it another way, Zen is not a general synonym for "Eastern thought" (as if one could lump it all together like that anyway), but rather a very specific branch of Buddhist practice.

But I shouldn't trash it until I've read it. Now that I know it's at least got good design advice, I'll order a copy straight away.

----

On a more positive note, your other design recommendations are excellent. To these I'd add Naka II (Naka is often overlooked as a design reference because the technical side is so strong there too) and Peter Adams' Successful Bonsai Shaping, and Bonsai Design: Deciduous and Coniferous Trees. Peter's Bonsai Design: Japanese Maples is also very good but probably not worth the hundred-odd dollars you'll have to pay to get a copy on ebay.

Cheers,
Old Crow

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pdbbonsai

In the beginning of the book, it has a "Zen" Gallery of bonsai. There are two areas for each that describe the tree. Your normal species, size, age and origin. And the Zen qualities of the tree.

An example:

A tree named "Immortal" (not sure if I like naming trees just yet)

style: driftwood
height 43"
species: Japanese Yew (Taxus cuspidata)
origin: South Korea
training: five years

Zen qualities: This ancient yew transplanted from the wild retains a high degree of naturalness, providing a powerful subject for contemplation and meditation. The stunning contrast between the brilliant bleached white of the trunk and the fresh, vital spring green of the needles brings to mind Zend concepts of rebirth and life giving force.




Dont know how you feel about that, but it makes me feel all squishy inside. Actually, I think it is a nice, fresh way to "see" trees of an artist, that does practice the art of Zen. (Which by the way, means to sit and meditate)

The book does ride softly on the Zen mantra. It doesnt beat it to death, in my humble opinion.

He covers a style called "Hobbit" inspired by Lord of the Rings of course. The trees pictured are nicely done, hollowed trunks and Entish looking.

I look forward to your follow up when you get the book. Curious to see if you have the same reaction as I do.

Paul

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It is essential to experience all the times and moods of one good place. (Thomas Merton)

BonsaiTalk is one good place. (me)

Carl_Bergstrom

Looks like Bull$hit with a capital B, to me.

Zen concepts of rebirth and life-giving force? Just what the hell is the author talking about? Exchange the word "Zen" for anything you want and it still makes just as much sense:

"...brings to mind the Pagan concepts of rebirth and life-giving force"

"...brings to mind the Christian concepts of rebirth and life-giving force."

"...brings to mind the Kirkegaardian concepts of rebirth and life-giving force."

"...brings to mind the New-Age concepts of rebirth and life-giving force."

"...brings to mind the Age-Old concepts of rebirth and life-giving force."

And so on, and so forth. Sounds like the grad students I used to know who'd go over to the undergraduate vegan co-op with a pocket full of the kind bud to spout a bunch of this pseudo-philosophical eastern mysticism and thereby pick up chicks. Good stuff.

Best wishes,
Carl

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pdbbonsai

I still like the book soooooooo nanny nanny boo boo to you!




Paul

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It is essential to experience all the times and moods of one good place. (Thomas Merton)

BonsaiTalk is one good place. (me)

Carl_Bergstrom

Hey, if the book has bits of good design advice, I'll happily wade through deep piles of steaming steer manure to get there.

Best wishes,
Carl

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