| This article will briefly explore the | | | | harmony and beauty of the Japanese bonsai, |
| exciting world of bonsai and contain further | | | | which we enjoy today. These miniature |
| links below, for you to explore and enjoy. | | | | creations were first only to be found in |
| | | | their Buddhist monasteries, but later found |
| The term, "Bonsai" is derived from two | | | | favour with the Japanese ruling classes. |
| Japanese words, "Bon", and "Sai". "Bon" means | | | | Still later, ordinary lovers of this art form |
| "tray". "Sai" means, "growing" or "planting". | | | | ensured its popularity to the present day. |
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| Many people are under the impression that | | | | Often, people think it refers only to a type |
| Bonsai was invented by the Japanese. | | | | of miniature tree, whereas it is a method of |
| | | | using quite a number of different trees and |
| Not true. | | | | plants. |
| | | | |
| True, the Japanese developed bonsai into what | | | | A very short list: |
| we see today. However, the path leads back to | | | | |
| China, where the first bonsai was grown. This | | | | Maple |
| Chinese art form was known as 'pon sai'. This | | | | |
| method of art, bringing together beauty, | | | | Cherry |
| truth and essence, in the form of the plant, | | | | |
| container and earth, is described as, 'heaven | | | | Azalea |
| and earth in one container', by the Japanese. | | | | |
| | | | Juniper |
| There is still pon sai in China, to this day, | | | | |
| but it lacks the artistry, beauty and | | | | Apricot |
| expertise of the Japanese developed bonsai . | | | | |
| This art form demands infinite patience, | | | | Pine |
| imagination and care. Rare attributes in the | | | | |
| frenetic pace and impatience of today, but | | | | Bonsai Privet |
| well worth developing into one's character. | | | | |
| | | | That was a brief introduction to the |
| Japanese Zen Buddhism, was used as a basis to | | | | fascinating and calming art of growing |
| reform the rather ugly and somewhat tortuous | | | | bonsai. |
| pon sai, of the Chinese, into the forms of | | | | |