The beauty of Sakura

Sakura or Cherry blossoms are the symbol of the Japanese spring. The blossoms flower from late March through early April, suffusing the surrounding landscape with soft hues of brilliance and at the same time, they blanket their environment with a beauty that evokes a feeling of calm and softness unlike anything else. The peak-viewing season is extremely short and the blossoms can be gone in as little as a week’s time. The fleeting nature of the cherry blossom has occupied a special place in the hearts of the Japanese and all those who embrace this wondrous time in their country.

The cherry blossom is seen as a model for life and death and is a symbol that embodies both the glorious and ephemeral natures of our existence. I am personally impressed by how this beautiful and pure cherry blossom transforms the people who are graced by its presence. It is the epitome of nature's unlimited beauty. For those who choose to contemplate it, are reminded of life's impermanence. We can truly appreciate the constantly changing and regenerating natural world through the sakura in all its glory and evanescence.

Enjoy these images as you think on these things.

Along the bank of a river in Takayama

Cherry amidst the grounds at a shrine

A lovely close up of these beautiful blossoms

Itsukushima Shrine/Miyajima

Here I am like so many people who pose in front of the sakura for a photo.

I truly love this time and am so happy that on both visits to Japan I was
fortunate to experience the sakura. It gives me pause even now to contemplate
on the beauty of the world.