Saturday 29 June 2013

Friday 21 June 2013

ah, the summer fields (1)

summer dance1






I don't know exactly what a prayer is.






summer dance2








summer dance3









summer dance4








summer dance5








summer dance6








summer dance7







I do know how to pay attention, how to fall down
into the grass, how to kneel down in the grass,
how to be idle and blessed, how to stroll through the fields,
which is what I have been doing all day.
Tell me, what else should I have done?
Doesn't everything die at last, and too soon?




Mary Oliver 
(from The Summer Day)







summer dance8






Saturday 15 June 2013

my floating films

this is just to let you know that i set up a new blog for my videos. my previous host, the Exposure Room site, was shut down and my films aren't available any longer, the older links on the Bridge don't work now. i have decided to upload them again (gradually!) to the new site, so if you are interested, please check there from time to time.  


my video blog





Wednesday 12 June 2013

this heart of mine







Coming and going
I feel neither
beginning nor end…
what a strange thing
this heart of mine!
 
 
Ōtagaki Rengetsu
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Tuesday 4 June 2013

last night a flower blossomed and the world became fragrant








When one flower opens, all forms are fresh, equally knowing the spring wind for ten thousand miles.















Without any sounds in the branches, the breeze carries the spring color.

















Wind whistles through the branches; rain breaks up the clumps of earth. Toads croak and earthworms cry out. Simply see that peach blossoms open by the mountain huts. A thousand gates and ten thousand doors face the valley streams in spring.















The blossoms of the world open, and this is a heavenly realm.















Who would complain that spring radiance does not seek after anything?

















In spring, beyond our own efforts, a withered tree returns to life and flowers.















A single plum flower in the cold,
with fragrant heart blossoming,
Calls for the arising of spring in the emptiness of the pot of ages.















We must cherish this time, as our paths will soon part.
For many months, the days and nights have quickly passed.
The spring wind stirs, and clouds come and go.
A thousand showers of evening rain fill the lake.















* all quotes from Zen master Dōgen's teachings (Dogen's Extensive Record).