The Fall Of Nature

Meeting they laugh and laugh - The forest grove, the many fallen leaves Zenrin

A priest was in charge of the garden within a famous Zen temple

He had been given the job because he loved the flowers, shrubs, and trees

One day, when the priest was expecting some special guests he took extra care in tending to the garden. He pulled the weeds, trimmed the shrubs, combed the moss, and spent a long time  meticulously raking up and carefully arranging all the dry autumn leaves

Next to the temple there was another smaller temple where there lived a very old Zen master

As the priest worked the old master watched him with interest from across the wall that separated the temples

When he had finished the priest stood back to admire his work "Isn't it beautiful," he called out to the old master

“Indeed it is,” replied the monk, “but  there is something that is missing. Here, give me a hand over this wall and I’ll fix it for you

After hesitating, the priest lifted the old fellow over and set him down. Slowly the master walked to the tree near the center of the garden, grabbed it by the trunk and shook it

Leaves showered down  all over the garden.

"There," said the old man, "you can put me back now."

The 1400 Years Old Ancient Ginkgo Tree

Enjoy. 

Updated 2023 

© 2012 MU-Peter Shimon