The Dance of Birth & Death

In the serene landscape of the Zen Temple Garden, I’ve been witnessing the gentle unfurling of spring in the northeast. This place marks not only a change of seasons but also a lesson in the cyclical nature of life.

As a resident of this garden, I can see the intimate dance of birth and death, which underpins the essence of Zen and inspires my art.

Spring’s arrival in the garden brings a time of transformation. The soil, enriched by the decomposed matter of last year’s plant life, becomes a nurturing ground for new life. This process reminds me that birth and death are not opposing forces but interconnected aspects of the same cycle.

The decayed matter, which signifies death and endings, becomes the source of life and beginnings for the new plants sprouting through the earth.

Here, in the garden, the boundary between birth and death blurs. This interplay is a fundamental principle reminding me that existence is not a linear path but a continuous loop where death feeds life, and life, in turn, cycles back to death.

The garden is a living metaphor for this concept, illustrating how decaying organic matter enriches the soil, fostering plant growth.

As the garden transitions from winter to spring, it becomes a canvas reflecting the themes of renewal and regeneration. This seasonal shift inspires my artwork. Like the garden’s new growth emerging from the rich, decomposed soil, my work evolves, drawing inspiration from the experiences within my life and the larger world.

Spring, with its theme of renewal, invigorates my creative process, encouraging exploration and embracing change.

- Sokei