Spring Flowers and Ancient Wisdom

Spring Flowers and Ancient Wisdom 

Ah, long at last the spring has arrived and along with it, our spirits soar to the sky amidst the colorful embrace of the blossoms. 

 

Much like the blossoms, age old wisdom and their colorful reference always fresh, always true keeps us advancing on the right path towards an honorable and fulfilling life. 

Here are some pearls of wisdom put in writing by illustrious T’ang Dynasty Zen master named Zengetsu for his pupils: 

 

Living in the world yet not forming attachments to the dust of the world is the way of a true Zen student. 

When witnessing the good action of another: encourage yourself to follow his example. Hearing of the mistaken action of another, advise yourself not to emulate it. 

Even though alone in a dark room, be as if you were facing a noble guest. Express your feelings, but become no more expressive than your true nature. 

Poverty is your treasure. Never exchange it for an easy life. 

A person may appear a fool and yet not be one. He may only be guarding his wisdom carefully. 

Virtues are the fruit of self-discipline and do not drop from heaven of themselves as does rain or snow. 

Modesty is the foundation of all virtues. Let your neighbors discover you before you make yourself known to them. 

 

A noble heart never forces itself forward. Its words are as rare gems, seldom displayed and of great value. 

 

To a sincere student, every day is a fortunate day. Time passes but he never lags behind. Neither glory nor shame can move him. 

Censure yourself, never another. Do not discuss right and wrong. 

 

Some things, though right, were considered wrong for generations. Since the value of righteousness may be recognized after centuries, there is no need to crave an immediate appreciation. 

Live with cause and leave results to the great law of the universe. Pass each day in peaceful contemplation. 

Blooms in the garden....Enjoy! 

The End

Blossoms in Spring

The Proud Little Apple Blossom

by Hans Christian Andersen (adapted)

It was the month of May, but the wind still blew cool, for the sun was not yet ready to shed his warmest rays on the waiting earth.

Yet some of the birds had come, and more were on their way, 

and many beautiful blossoms were already showing their pink and white blooms, 

 by Cecily Mary Baker

so that from bush and tree, field and flower, came the glad cry, "Spring is here! Spring is here." 

 by Cecily Mary Baker

Now, it happened that a young princess rode by a beautiful orchard in full bloom, and she stopped to pick a branch of apple blossoms to take to her palace. 

 by Cecily Mary Baker

All who saw the apple blossom praised its beauty and fragrance until the blossom became proud, and thought that beauty was the only valuable thing in the world. 

But as the apple blossom looked out upon the field she thought, "Not all of the plants are rich and beautiful, as I am, some seem poor and plain." 

And she noticed a little, common, yellow flower, which seemed to lift up its sunny head and grow everywhere.

The apple blossom said to the plain little flower, "What is your name?"

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"I am called the dandelion," replied the little flower.

 by Cecily Mary Baker

"Poor little plant," said the apple blossom. "It is not your fault; but how sad you must feel to be so plain and to bear such an ugly name."

Before the little plant could reply a lovely little sunbeam came dancing along and said, "I see no ugly flowers. 

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They are all beautiful alike to me." 

And he kissed the apple blossom; but he stooped low and lingered long to kiss the little yellow dandelion in the field.

The End.