Bonsai: Walking the Thin Line Between Life and Death

American Shokunin from Ryan Bush on Vimeo.

A master is somebody who, every single day, tries to pursue perfection at their chosen endeavor.

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“There are no borders in bonsai. 

Its peace flies to a rich palace as it does to a humble house, as it does to young or old, or to rich and poor.  This is the true spirit of bonsai.”

  ~John Yoshio Naka

A master doesn’t retire.  A master doesn’t stop.  They do it until their death.  It’s a part of you; it’s who you are.

Shokunin is a Japanese word used to describe an individual that aspires to become a master in their particular craft or art form.

Ryan Neil falls firmly into this description, practicing the art of Bonsai for nearly two decades.  Bonsai, in its purest form, represents the five virtues in life:  truth, goodness, beauty, harmony and happiness.  Bonsai also symbolizes the keys to a lasting life:  nurturing, patience, caring and growth.

In American Shokunin, we get a glimpse at the broader philosophical thinking behind this professional American Bonsai practitioner, as well as some of the inherent challenges and aspirations that come along with the pursuit for bonsai mastery in America.

by Skippy Massey

This post originally appeared at the Humboldt Sentinel. Reprinted with permission.

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