There was the caretaker busily freshening up the place as she watched me park my car. I was the only car in the lot and the only person besides herself. "Welcome" she said, "and what brings you here to this wonderful garden this morning?" I told her (not about my inglorious road adventure) that I wanted to see the place before it closed. Ironically and without telling her about my morning adventure, she, Mary, told me about the garden and it's purpose for cleansing negativity away, a stroll designed to be a walking meditation. Her final words to me were you bring in all your troubles and worries into the garden and leave them there. She also gave me a breif history and description of the place.
The garden was beautiful of course and some great time was had with master Japanese flute player Daniel Nyohaku Soergel who played "Shakuhachi" at this "Closing Weekend" in the ceremonial Tea house. From the steps of the Tea House Daniel described to those listening, about the Japanese flute and how they are made, how sound is produced in them etc. He also spoke about being in the moment, a Zen Buddhist's philosophy or better yet a way of living. He told us of becoming so in the moment it's like being in and out of consciousness; Your attention is focused on one thing not for long, as you fall between states of "Walking unconsciousness". I still remember his words after playing a tune, "Worry, what worry?" It worked for me, and apparently others. As I was sitting on the steps of the Tea House listening to Daniel play a peaceful mysterious piece on the flute, I looked over and spotted a kid, Caucasian-Asian mix, who had to be maybe 10 years old or so in meditation, sitting with closed eyes and finger tips touching in that classic meditative pose, just being there-I was impressed.
One last thought about the day; As I drove on the congested roadways along side thousands of fellow citizens on my way to the Garden I realized no one cares about this wonderful place. I thought the Garden would be jam packed on this last "Closing Weekend" but sadly no, a hand full of people were to be found there. Maybe I'm too critical of people; Maybe it's tough to be in the contemplative, worthy cause arena, trust me I know from my experience with this blog. It bothers me that society praises popular culture which leaves out worthy places such as this Garden....On reflection maybe I did not leave all my negativity in the garden.
Brief History of Garden (From Garden Guide): This special garden was created by Ambassador and Mrs. John P. Humes following a visit to Japan in 1960. Later that year, inspired by their visit, Ambassador Humes purchased the Tea House that still stands in the garden and hired a Japanese-American landscape gardener, Douglas Defaya, and his wife , Joan. Over the next four years the DeFayas transformed two acres of rolling woodland on Long Island's North Shore into an exceptional Japanese stroll garden.
Martha at the John P. Humes Stroll Garden
Some pics I took during my visit:
Some more pics...
Amazing photos...
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