MONO NO AWARE - EMPATHY TOWARD THINGS

There is something very Japanese about their strong connection with nature. It is a part of who they are as a people. There are so many examples to draw from to demonstrate this, but in this blog I’m only going to mention three of them: Sakura, Karesansui (Dry gardens), and Haiku (Japanese poetry).

Sakura: The Beauty of Cherry Blossoms

Every spring, Japan is transformed by the soft white and pink blossoms of the Sakura, or cherry trees. This annual event - cherished by locals and foreigners - is more than just a visual feast. It’s a time for reflection and appreciation of the fleeting nature of life. Families and friends gather under the blooming trees, enjoying picnics and celebrating the transient beauty of the blossoms. The Sakura season is a reminder of mono no aware, a Japanese term that captures the awareness of the impermanence of things. Sakura is a profound cultural expression of the Japanese people’s connection to nature’s cycles and the beauty seen in its passing.

Karesansui: The Calmness of Dry Gardens

The Karesansui, or dry garden, is another example of Japan’s relationship with nature. These gardens, found in Zen temples, use rocks, gravel, and carefully pruned plants to represent natural landscapes. Unlike traditional gardens that rely on lush greenery and flowing water, the spirit of Karesansui is to distill the essence of nature into its simplest forms. The act of raking the gravel into patterns similar to waves is a meditative practice, emphasizing harmony and tranquility. Karesansui demands contemplation and introspection, allowing visitors to connect with nature’s spirit in a deeply personal way, in spite of the absence of living vegetation and water.

Haiku: Capturing Nature in a Single Breath

Haiku also reflects the profound connection to nature. A haiku is a three-line poem with a 5-7-5 syllable structure that captures a moment in time, often highlighting the natural world. Matsuo Basho, the most famous haiku poet, captured the essence of nature in his short verses, thus evoking powerful emotions. For example, his haiku:

An old silent pond...

A frog jumps into the pond

Splash! Silence again.

This simple poem represents the ability of haiku to show a natural scene in its purest form, resonating with the reader’s own experiences and emotions. Through haiku, the Japanese convey a deep appreciation for the subtleties and impermanence of nature.

These three examples demonstrate the Japanese people’s deep-rooted connection to nature. Whether through the passing beauty of cherry blossoms, the serene contemplation of dry gardens, or the subtle simplicity of haiku, nature is a part of Japanese identity. It’s a profound relationship that has allowed me to connect in a different way to this culture, this country and its people, and it is constantly reshaping and enriching my own personal experience here in Japan.

Although, sometimes I wonder if some of this inherent connection with nature is being lost in modern Japan, trapped unnecessarily in the relentless pace of the capitalistic, consumption-driven world. 

Thanks for reading. Abrazos.

Diego Rojas