#christopher ives

When we go walking there are often many reasons at work along with our muscles. There is the exercise and gaining distance from either where we started or from something that is troubling. Some of us are working toward the accomplishment that comes from getting to our destination or end of a section or the terminus. While others are after the invigoration that comes from being in nature. Finally whether or not we have a camera, sketchpad, or a great set of eyes, we are seeking beauty. 

Anyone attending to beauty along the trail, park, or backyard can easily appreciate the seven characteristics of Zen art that have been identified by the lay master Shin’ichi Hisamatsu (1889-1980). The first one is asymmetry, seen in things that are crooked or imbalanced. We can see this in trees everywhere we look except on that Christmas tree that fills the corner of your living room. We see it in the rock strewn creek tumbling down the nearby canyon. Nature has a way of not being balanced or orderly, more often it is unruly. 

The second characteristic of Zen art is simplicity. Nothing is cluttered just a simple space for a clear mind. Time is irrelevant and there is no sign of the rat race and deadlines that can plague us. 

The third characteristic is best described as a form of sublime austerity. I have seen this in the bent pines near the summit of Mount Baden Powell. You may have observed this in the weathered ways of old farm buildings. Those things that exhibit this feature are singular, one of a kind with what Christopher Ives describes as ‘quirky nobility’.

The fourth characteristic is naturalness. Many of us experience this in the way we feel strong and solid as we plant a step or sit down. There is no mind, no ego, simply a quiet strength and sincerity. 

The fifth characteristic is darkness. We can experience this walking through the woods at night. Another way is how we can be compelled to stare deeply into the glowing coals of a campfire.Sometimes I notice this characteristic walking through fog or noticing a fog shrouded peak. 

For the sixth characteristic of Zen art is freedom from attachment. I am reminded of a thru hiker I met once who told me his trail name was ‘Amtrak’. I asked him how did he come to get that trial name? His response, “ I get there when I get there.” Truly, freedom from attachment.   

Finally the seventh and last characteristic is tranquility. A state of not moving or stirring. Noting that chickadee alone on a low branch. Calming our minds and as the Zen teachers suggest, “stillness in moving, moving in stillness”

We featured a recent book by Chirstopher Ives entitled ‘Zen on the Trail’ a month or so ago. As promised there are numerous nuggets to be mined in this book that we said we would be sharing. This is one that I particularly can relate to. Ives brings up the challenge of concentrating on the act of walking. Failing to tune into our senses and still notice the natural beauty that surrounds us. 

How many times have I suffered from getting lost in my head? Thinking about my relationship with my wife, kids, or colleagues. Wondering how much longer this trail is really going to go up or down? Are there really ticks out here? Someone said something about poodle dog bush .Oh, my sock is bunching, probably should stop and sort that out. And on and on, and well, you get the picture. 

Ives suggests at times like this, silence can be a useful tool. Taking a break where there is a beautiful view or feels powerful. Sitting and having a snack or a sip of water, I can get out of my head a little or a lot. I am better able to notice the other creatures sharing this space with me. I can smell the sap oozing down the side of a nearby fir.I can notice the splash of flowers waving to me in the breeze. By sitting quietly I am better able to open up and release some of those things crowding around in my brain.