"Break Open a Cherry Tree...", Haiku by Ikkyū Sōjun

I receive emails from a great organization based in the UK that I'm part of, called "The Society of Yoga Practitioners" https://www.tsyp.yoga/

The last one had a beautiful text and a haiku, both of which I'm sharing here.

You can go to their website , join, and then receive Newsletters, and also be invited to wonderful events and practices, including Vedic Chant gatherings.

“Break open a cherry tree and there are no flowers,

but the spring breeze brings forth myriad blossoms”

Ikkyū Sōjun

The TSYP team follows the haiku with these words:

"Dear Friends

Cherry blossom, with its delicate and fleeting beauty, symbolises the transience of life and the beauty of impermanence. Its blooming in the spring brings a sense of fresh vitality and vibrancy, whilst the delicate and fragile nature of the blossom reminds us to appreciate life’s beauty and to cherish the present moment.

Our prāṇāyāma practice reminds us that we can’t save today’s breath for tomorrow or breathe tomorrow’s breath today; we can only breathe in this present moment. In the same way, we can’t hoard time, moments or certainty. Being mindful means that we pay attention to what’s happening right now, without getting lost in the past or worrying about the future."

I'm very grateful for this beautiful text.

Thanks TSYP!

Maryland, April 2024

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