“一華開五葉 (Ichige goyo wo hiraku)”
A single flower blooms into five petals, eventually bearing fruit. This is a Zen phrase believed to be from Bodhidharma, the founder of Zen.
This means that when a flower of enlightenment blooms in one’s heart, it splits into five noble wisdoms, each flourishing and eventually achieving fruition. Specifically, these are:
1. The pure heart as it is from birth
2. The realization that everything around us is a manifestation of Buddha
3. The awareness of individuality within equality
4. The understanding that all things are equal
5. The heart that cherishes compassion
It is said that possessing these five wisdoms can eliminate worldly desires and suffering.
I am not deeply devoted to Zen, and I think it is impossible for me to completely eliminate my own worldly desires. Still, I like this phrase primarily because of its beautiful appearance. It gives a bright and radiant feeling.
Rather than delving deeply into the five wisdoms of this phrase, I feel it might be enough to simply appreciate the natural beauty of a flower blooming, spreading its petals, bearing fruit, and withering away. Enjoying the transformations as they are in each moment might be sufficient.
Have a great weekend, and may you find beauty and wisdom in every moment!
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