I like plum blossoms because they give off a subtle scent . This plum tree is in front of the main hall of Chokoji temple where I do zazen on Sundays. Since January was too busy for the priest to hold a meeting We started the first meeting in February .We usually have it at Kobokudou which is smaller than the main hall. But on that day the usual place couldn’t accommodate the people so we moved in to the main hall. There are many temples but it’s not always easy to find a temple where you can try zazen. We were all happy and amazed to see that twice as many people took part in that morning’s zazen meeting. The youngest one must be a junior high school boy. We had a New Year party at the end of January and I discovered a wide range of jobs and ages. Zazen may be booming now. People might feel a lot of insecurity. If I know nothing lasts forever or nothing stays the same, I’m not very much shocked to see unexpected changes and am able to stay relatively calm.

                     On the same day at Iwamotoyama Park in Fuji City I saw a very interesting plum tree. I like its branches. Many people go on a picnic or walk their dogs here. Since it’s a very nice place to take photos of Mt.Fuji and plum blossoms or cherry blossoms, we see photographers with expensive cameras and other gear.