March 2022 Newsletter I would like to introduce one of my favorite Japanese poems: “散る桜、残る桜も、散る桜” “Chiru Sakura, Nokoru Sakura mo Chiru Sakura”. Its literal meaning is when you see “the scattering petals,” though many petals are left on the branch, they too, will become “the scattering petals.” This poem was written by Reverend Ryokan, a Zen monk and poet during Japan’s Edo Period. It refers to how beautiful, fragile, and short human life is. I believe that he was also expressing the significance of departure in life as well. As the Sakura blooms, it is also preparing for its departure so that a new life can begin.
