Kinhin* in the Garden
A slow, quiet and contemplative walk through the garden after the rain at the end of May, marking the end of my stay at Kingsbrae Garden.
Engaging all my senses with every step, whilst focusing on sight to allow intuitive compositions to emerge and take them in without over-analysing.
*Kinhin is the walking meditation of Zen Buddhism, practiced between periods of seated zazen.
Zen would like us to work with every element of body, breath, speech and mind.
We want to work with absolutely each and every aspect of our experience,
taking opportunities to practice inquiring deeply into what we are experiencing.
Feeling one step after another, feeling the breath, being aware of seeing, hearing and so on.
Raindrops tap the ground,
creating a symphony,
nature’s percussion.
Author unknown
Soft rain gently falls,
a soothing rhythm on leaves,
nature’s lullaby.
Author unknown
After the rain clears,
a world fresh and renewed,
nature’s cleansing bath.
Author unknown
Spring rain—
passing through the gate
a willow bends slightly.
Matsuo Bashō
Morning rain
the snail climbs
without hurrying
Chiyo-ni
A summer shower
the cat slinks under the porch—
wet paws leave no trace.
Yosa Buson
