Click-a-Sermon 7:  "Cherry blossom"

During April, the cherry blossoms commence to bloom in Honshu, Japan's main island, although the blooming season varies over three months form southern to northern Japan.

Traditionally, the cherry blossom has been considered the symbol of Japan. And throughout the nation, large groups of individuals, who have long been awaiting the arrival of the clement weather of spring and the end of winter, go out on cherry blossom viewing parties.

Flower viewing parties may seem to be mere drinking festivities, yet in Buddhism the cherry blossom has long been considered as a symbol of human life itself. Perhaps many appreciate the pink blossoms in full bloom for their superficial beauty alone. But the sages of the past have always used this national symbol to remind us of the impermanence of human life, for the blossoms last for only a few short days.

Without being aware of it, most individuals are drawn to the beauty of the cherry blossom with the certain knowledge that is a bloom soon destined to scatter and disappear. It is dubious if cherry blossoms were to become lasting flowers if many would continue to appreciate their beauty. Their fragile, brief, life-span accentuates their preciousness.

In the same manner, for humans, the fragile nature of life and stark limitations imposed by mortality challenge us to fully appreciate the brief span we are allotted and to live our lives to the fullest.

Buddhism has often been termed a religion of death because it openly deals with the crucial reality that mortal man is ultimately destined to die. Yet, by freely recognizing the limitations of human life and its ultimate end, Buddhism seeks to make this short life truly meaningful. Thus the so-called religion of death in effect, is truly a religion of life, for Buddhism teaches that like the cherry blossoms, man has his short and beautiful days in the warm spring of life that should be savored and appreciated to their fullest.

© Reno Buddhist Church, 2002