18/09/2019
Treasures of Nature – Bamboo, the bridge across forever!
Right from severing the umbilical cord of a new born to according dignity to the departed; bamboo remains the forever grass. Across the world, the image of a baby panda chewing on a blade of bamboo grass endures. Silently signaling that nature remains the ultimate incubator for survival.
The Japanese extol seven life lessons to be learnt from the bamboo forest which have an universal and timeless appeal.
Bend but don't break: Bamboo is used to construct earthquake resistant homes – something that the world’s strongest cement cannot guarantee. Yet, it itself sways ever so gently with the breeze. A lesson in humility, to be flexible yet firm. To adapt yet be rooted.
What looks weak is strong: Compared to many of its large neighbours in the forest, bamboo may look skinny and fragile but is often the ones to be found standing strong after a typhoon. We should not be judgemental based on the physical looks of someone. The actor with India’s most famous baritone voice once got rejected during a voice audition at AIR.
Be always ready: According to a saying, "The warrior, like bamboo, is ever ready for action." Be prepared, and prepare yourself – in any activity and for any eventuality. The bamboo needs very little processing prior to use, which makes it ready to use in a short span of time.
Unleash your power to spring back: Representing good luck, bamboo is one of the symbols of New Year Celebrations in Japan. The snow covers bamboo all of winter and its weight makes the bamboo bend back. Then the snow begins to fall due to its own weight, and the bamboo snaps up again. Adversity should be used a spring board in real life too.
Find wisdom in emptiness: The saying goes that one cannot fill a cup which is already full. The hollow insides of the bamboo remind us to create space within ourselves receive knowledge for which it is imperative to empty our mind of prejudices, pride and fear.
Commit to (continuous) growth
Express usefulness through simplicity: Aikido master Kensho Furuya says that "The bamboo in its simplicity expresses its usefulness. Man should do the same." Maybe we attach importance to frills in order to make ourselves and others feel that we are worthy of attention and praise, but in fact, it is simplicity that stands out and is more understood. Don’t be afraid to be simple.
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Right from severing the umbilical cord of a new born to according dignity to the departed; bamboo remains the forever grass. Across the world, the image of a baby panda chewing on a blade of bamboo grass endures.
