24/03/2023
Buddhist Pine Kokedama
Made by Nevada
This is a very special piece for me, and I would like to share why.
My grandfather's greatest passion was growing bonsai. Growing up and living with my grandparents for a few years gave me a lot of special time with them. My grandfather was more like my father to me. I would sit with him for hours while he trimmed and cared for all of his bonsai (which was well over 100). He had hearing problems due to working in a steel factory with no proper equipment from the noisy machinery. So his way of bonding with me was through growing vegetables together, helping him care for the bonsai, making wooden structures, and going fishing. I will always treasure these moments.
Sadly, he passed away in December 2020, and I was unable to get back to South Africa because it was currently on the red list. It was a hard time for me and our family.
Now, I look back with a heart full of gratitude for every single moment I had with him. In the buddhist lineage I follow, (Nicheren Buddhism), gratitude is a very important part of our daily life so I thought that a Buddhist Pine would truly be the best bonsai to start with in honor of our memories together. This was the first piece I made where I truly felt like my grandfather was looking over me with his hand on my shoulder. I felt his love, and I know he would be so happy with what we are doing. This was truly made with the feeling of love, joy and gratitude.
Slide to the next images to see him in his happy place, special moments together, and of course, some of his bonsai 💚🌿
I love you Oupa ❤️❤️❤️