Kyoto is in the rainy season called Tsuyu (梅雨), and Ajizai (Hydrangea) are in bloom. There are several places to admire them through the archipelago. Ajisai-en (Hydrangea garden) of Sanzenin temple is one of them. It is located in rural Ohara and known as a hidden gem among Kyoto-enthusiasts.
Despite their expectations, the temple can’t open up the gate for us: The flowers are gone.
In Japan, beetles called Zomushi, a.k.a., “Ajisai Chokiri (Hydrangea-cutter)” live near Hydrangeas. They cut off the flower to lay eggs in their stem. Due to the beetles, we can’t admire the hydrangea there.
In a interview in a TV program, a monk said something very impressive.
“Trees live, insects live. I suppose Zomushi-san (We can attach -san even to insects to show respect) must survive. I rather would like to show a gratitude for hydrangeas bloomed every year (instead of blaming Zomushi-san for the incident).” (In the last sentence, he also shows respect for Ajisai. I can’t find a proper translation to describe it.)
What he said shows us two thoughts lies behind our social norms. 1) Respect for others including insects, flowers, and so on. and 2) Empathy.
For instance, we don’t talk loud in a bus. It is a public place and other passengers get irritated with loud voice. Of course there are some exceptions. If a baby is crying, we don’t get irritated because we understand it is “her duty” in common.
These thoughts deteriorated these days but still alive, I believe. 合掌
