108 Flowers - Book 4
In mathematics, 108 is considered an "abundant" yet only "semi-perfect" number. Since I am not good in math, I do not know what these terms actually imply. They sound great to me. There are 108 heroes in the famed Chinese classic, "The Outlaws of the Marsh." Hindu deities have 108 names. Zen monks wear a string of 108 prayer beads to represent 108 mental states. Many Buddhist temples have 108 steps and their bells chime 108 times to welcome the New Year. It is said, each step and chime represent an earthly temptation one must overcome (I thought there was only one, and I could not overcome).
In our case, it is one lesson at a time. We have managed to climb all the steps and hear all the chimes. The temptation is still with us, stronger than ever. This is why the prayer beads connect into a circle. We are back to one again. We have experienced semi-perfection (so cool). A new beginning awaits.
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Winter Sweet
Là Méi is one of the most elegant flowers during the Chinese New Year celebration. The flowers are exquisite. The branches are stylish. The fragrance is incomparable.
It blooms at the coldest time of the year when everything else is covered in snow. The flower stands out alone.
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Wisteria
Many Chinese gardens have majestic wisteria vines stretching across long canopies. The breathtaking flower clusters cascade in groves. They are often the focal point of the garden in spring.
The flowers bloom in stages on a single stem. They can show various gestures with multiple colors and fea...
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Bamboo Shoots
"I started this series with bamboo. I end the series with bamboo shoots. I hope this series can be that spring shower on the emerald mountain. Next thing we know, new shoots will be thriving everywhere in the forest." - Ning Yeh
