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Old 28-10-2003, 03:22 PM
David J. Bockman
 
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Default [IBC] Spirit of Bonsai Design by Chye Tan

I'm seeing this book listed in various book sites. Anyone own it? Thoughts?

David J. Bockman, Fairfax, VA (USDA Hardiness Zone 7)
Bunabayashi Bonsai On The World Wide Web: http://www.bunabayashi.com
email:

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Old 29-10-2003, 06:32 AM
Pat Patterson
 
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Default [IBC] Spirit of Bonsai Design by Chye Tan

G'day all...

Not a mini review, but from Amazon:

Spirit of Bonsai Design by Chye Tan

Synopsis
Written from a Zen perspective, this guide shows how an understanding of Zen
aesthetics and its profound influence on bonsai design can improve your skills
at shaping, displaying and appreciating bonsai. For example, most bonsai
feature a triangular shape because it symbolizes the relationship between
life-giving force, the artist and the work created. Similarly, bonsai trees are
planted off-centre because they represent heaven and earth. The central point
in the pot is where heaven and earth meet and nothing is allowed to occupy this
space. Aimed at both novice and more experienced bonsai enthusiasts, the book
explains the key stages of creating bonsai, from first inspirations in nature
and choosing your tree to appropriate shaping techniques and practicalities
such as root trimming and watering. The book features photographs and annotated
illustrations of each major style and a gallery of bonsai masterpieces taken
from the collections of some of the world's most famous masters of the art.
#######

Have a good day...

Pat


Dez of the Arizona High Dezert, at 4550', Oracle, AZ,
2000' above Tucson Sunset Zone 10 USDA Zone 8
aka: Pat Patterson 'riding off in all directions'

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Old 29-10-2003, 01:42 PM
Jim Lewis
 
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Default [IBC] Spirit of Bonsai Design by Chye Tan

G'day all...

Not a mini review, but from Amazon:

Spirit of Bonsai Design by Chye Tan

Synopsis
Written from a Zen perspective, this guide shows how an

understanding of Zen
aesthetics and its profound influence on bonsai design can

improve your skills
at shaping, displaying and appreciating bonsai. For example,

most bonsai
feature a triangular shape because it symbolizes the

relationship between
life-giving force, the artist and the work created. Similarly,

bonsai trees are
planted off-centre because they represent heaven and earth. The

central point
in the pot is where heaven and earth meet and nothing is

allowed to occupy this
space. Aimed at both novice and more experienced bonsai

enthusiasts, the book
explains the key stages of creating bonsai, from first

inspirations in nature
and choosing your tree to appropriate shaping techniques and

practicalities
such as root trimming and watering. The book features

photographs and annotated
illustrations of each major style and a gallery of bonsai

masterpieces taken
from the collections of some of the world's most famous masters

of the art.
#######


Thanks, Pat . . .

Reading that (especially the part after "Aimed at both novice and
.. . ."), it sounds like the same old, same old -- with a Zennish
gimmick. None of my local stores have it in stock, yet. I think
I'd have to see it in the flesh before I plunked cash for it.

Jim Lewis - - Tallahassee, FL - VEGETARIAN:
An Indian word meaning "lousy hunter." (Borrowed from a sig by
fellow listowner, Scott Peterson)

************************************************** ******************************
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************************************************** ******************************
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http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ --
+++++ Questions? Help? e-mail +++++
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Old 29-10-2003, 07:42 PM
René Voortwist
 
Posts: n/a
Default [IBC] Spirit of Bonsai Design by Chye Tan

Hi All,

I have followed my beginners course with Chye Yan. he lives about an 1/2
hour drive from here. If his book is only half as good as his trees I'll buy
it... I know this is not his first book.

regards, René

regards, René
"Jim Lewis" schreef in bericht
news:007d01c39e1e$1ca21e60$51112cc7@pavilion...
G'day all...

Not a mini review, but from Amazon:

Spirit of Bonsai Design by Chye Tan

Synopsis
Written from a Zen perspective, this guide shows how an

understanding of Zen
aesthetics and its profound influence on bonsai design can

improve your skills
at shaping, displaying and appreciating bonsai. For example,

most bonsai
feature a triangular shape because it symbolizes the

relationship between
life-giving force, the artist and the work created. Similarly,

bonsai trees are
planted off-centre because they represent heaven and earth. The

central point
in the pot is where heaven and earth meet and nothing is

allowed to occupy this
space. Aimed at both novice and more experienced bonsai

enthusiasts, the book
explains the key stages of creating bonsai, from first

inspirations in nature
and choosing your tree to appropriate shaping techniques and

practicalities
such as root trimming and watering. The book features

photographs and annotated
illustrations of each major style and a gallery of bonsai

masterpieces taken
from the collections of some of the world's most famous masters

of the art.
#######


Thanks, Pat . . .

Reading that (especially the part after "Aimed at both novice and
. . ."), it sounds like the same old, same old -- with a Zennish
gimmick. None of my local stores have it in stock, yet. I think
I'd have to see it in the flesh before I plunked cash for it.

Jim Lewis - - Tallahassee, FL - VEGETARIAN:
An Indian word meaning "lousy hunter." (Borrowed from a sig by
fellow listowner, Scott Peterson)


************************************************** **************************
****
++++Sponsored, in part, by Lisa Kanis++++

************************************************** **************************
****
-- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ:
http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ --
+++++ Questions? Help? e-mail +++++





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Old 29-10-2003, 10:43 PM
Jim Lewis
 
Posts: n/a
Default [IBC] Spirit of Bonsai Design by Chye Tan

Hi All,

I have followed my beginners course with Chye Yan. he lives

about an 1/2
hour drive from here. If his book is only half as good as his

trees I'll buy
it... I know this is not his first book.

regards, René



Where's "here?"

Jim Lewis - - Tallahassee, FL - VEGETARIAN:
An Indian word meaning "lousy hunter." (Borrowed from a sig by
fellow listowner, Scott Peterson)

************************************************** ******************************
++++Sponsored, in part, by Lisa Kanis++++
************************************************** ******************************
-- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ:
http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ --
+++++ Questions? Help? e-mail +++++
  #7   Report Post  
Old 30-10-2003, 12:42 AM
p.aradi
 
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Default [IBC] Spirit of Bonsai Design by Chye Tan

Greetings:

I am sorry to chime in, but I would be very interested
to find out where Mr. Chye Tan gained his experience
with Zen Buddhism.

Spending more than five years looking for a connection,
I would be willing to travel anywhere in the U.S. or Japan to
interview him as he would be my first direct connection.
My definition of "experience" is PRACTICE, as in
meditation at a recognized religious facility where
bonsai was part of the organization's religion related
activity. I am looking for facts and primary sources,
not hearsay. Any leads will be greatly appreciated and
will be properly credited upon publication of the material.

Sincerely yours.

Gassho! (Any Zen practitioner will understand this.)

Peter Aradi
Tulsa, Oklahoma

************************************************** ******************************
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************************************************** ******************************
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+++++ Questions? Help? e-mail +++++
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Old 30-10-2003, 03:02 AM
Jim Lewis
 
Posts: n/a
Default [IBC] Spirit of Bonsai Design by Chye Tan

Greetings:

I am sorry to chime in, but I would be very interested
to find out where Mr. Chye Tan gained his experience
with Zen Buddhism.


Chime away, Peter. I was wondering the same thing you obviously
are. I have _never_ read anything reliable that tells me that
Zen and Bonsai have any direct connection -- but _I_ am not even
close to being an expert, so was reluctant to do any chiming
myself.

Of course, you can bring Zen into anything you do, I suppose --
even motorcycle maintenance. ;-)

Anyway, when I finally see the book, I'll at least glance at it
to see how he ties bonsai and Zen together. This fellow's name
_sounds_ Chinese; Zen Buddhism, of course, was borrowed from
China, but matured in Japan. I suppose he could be espousing an
early Chinese tie in.

IMHO, bonsai and Taoism may have a closer connection, back during
the early Chinese roots of artistic trees in pots. But that,
too, is tenuous. ;-)

Jim Lewis - - Tallahassee, FL - The phrase
'sustainable growth' is an oxymoron. - Stephen Viederman

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************************************************** ******************************
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Old 30-10-2003, 04:02 PM
elize marie mann
 
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Default [IBC] Spirit of Bonsai Design by Chye Tan

Chye lives in Holland.
Gr.
Elize Marie mann
Epe Holland

----- Oorspronkelijk bericht -----
Van: "p.aradi"
Aan:
Verzonden: donderdag 30 oktober 2003 1:17
Onderwerp: [IBC] Spirit of Bonsai Design by Chye Tan


Greetings:

I am sorry to chime in, but I would be very interested
to find out where Mr. Chye Tan gained his experience
with Zen Buddhism.

Spending more than five years looking for a connection,
I would be willing to travel anywhere in the U.S. or Japan to
interview him as he would be my first direct connection.
My definition of "experience" is PRACTICE, as in
meditation at a recognized religious facility where
bonsai was part of the organization's religion related
activity. I am looking for facts and primary sources,
not hearsay. Any leads will be greatly appreciated and
will be properly credited upon publication of the material.

Sincerely yours.

Gassho! (Any Zen practitioner will understand this.)

Peter Aradi
Tulsa, Oklahoma


************************************************** **************************
****
++++Sponsored, in part, by Lisa Kanis++++

************************************************** **************************
****
-- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ:
http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ --
+++++ Questions? Help? e-mail +++++


************************************************** ******************************
++++Sponsored, in part, by Lisa Kanis++++
************************************************** ******************************
-- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ:
http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ --
+++++ Questions? Help? e-mail +++++
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Old 30-10-2003, 04:12 PM
Craig Cowing
 
Posts: n/a
Default [IBC] Spirit of Bonsai Design by Chye Tan

Jim Lewis wrote:

Greetings:

I am sorry to chime in, but I would be very interested
to find out where Mr. Chye Tan gained his experience
with Zen Buddhism.


Chime away, Peter. I was wondering the same thing you obviously
are. I have _never_ read anything reliable that tells me that
Zen and Bonsai have any direct connection -- but _I_ am not even
close to being an expert, so was reluctant to do any chiming
myself.

Of course, you can bring Zen into anything you do, I suppose --
even motorcycle maintenance. ;-)

snip


Jim Lewis - - Tallahassee, FL - The phrase
'sustainable growth' is an oxymoron. - Stephen Viederman


The historical connection between bonsai and Zen may be difficult to establish, but
why can't a person from any given religious or philosophical persuasion import
their faith *into* bonsai? For example, Iris Cohen and I have both found very
strong links with our respective branches of the Judeo-Christian heritage, yet the
people who first conceived of bonsai however many years ago certainly weren't
Jewish or Christian.

We need to remember that just as bonsai is an art that continues to evolve in terms
of techniques, so it is also a philosophical discipline (for some) which continues
to evolve as well. Just because the author under discussion has made a connection
with bonsai and Zen, does that mean he is claiming that there is a historical
connection?

Craig Cowing
NY
Zone 5b/6a Sunset 37

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************************************************** ******************************
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http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ --
+++++ Questions? Help? e-mail +++++


  #11   Report Post  
Old 30-10-2003, 04:42 PM
p.aradi
 
Posts: n/a
Default [IBC] Spirit of Bonsai Design by Chye Tan

Elize:

If you can get verifyable information that Mr. Chye
have experience and practiced meditation at a recognized
religious facility where bonsai was part of the organization's
religion related activity I will travel to Holland to interview
him within 12 months of receiving the data. As I said before,
I am looking for facts and primary sources, not hearsay.

Sincerely yours.

Peter Aradi
Tulsa, Oklahoma

----- Original Message -----
From: "elize marie mann"
To:
Sent: Thursday, October 30, 2003 9:24 AM
Subject: [IBC] Spirit of Bonsai Design by Chye Tan


Chye lives in Holland.
Gr.
Elize Marie mann
Epe Holland

----- Oorspronkelijk bericht -----
Van: "p.aradi"
Aan:
Verzonden: donderdag 30 oktober 2003 1:17
Onderwerp: [IBC] Spirit of Bonsai Design by Chye Tan


Greetings:

I am sorry to chime in, but I would be very interested
to find out where Mr. Chye Tan gained his experience
with Zen Buddhism.

Spending more than five years looking for a connection,
I would be willing to travel anywhere in the U.S. or Japan to
interview him as he would be my first direct connection.
My definition of "experience" is PRACTICE, as in
meditation at a recognized religious facility where
bonsai was part of the organization's religion related
activity. I am looking for facts and primary sources,
not hearsay. Any leads will be greatly appreciated and
will be properly credited upon publication of the material.

Sincerely yours.

Gassho! (Any Zen practitioner will understand this.)

Peter Aradi
Tulsa, Oklahoma



************************************************** **************************
****
++++Sponsored, in part, by Lisa Kanis++++

************************************************** ************************

**
****
-- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ:
http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/
--
+++++ Questions? Help? e-mail

+++++



************************************************** **************************
****
++++Sponsored, in part, by Lisa Kanis++++

************************************************** **************************
****
-- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ:
http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ --
+++++ Questions? Help? e-mail +++++


************************************************** ******************************
++++Sponsored, in part, by Lisa Kanis++++
************************************************** ******************************
-- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ:
http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ --
+++++ Questions? Help? e-mail +++++
  #12   Report Post  
Old 30-10-2003, 05:02 PM
p.aradi
 
Posts: n/a
Default [IBC] Spirit of Bonsai Design by Chye Tan

Craig:

You absolutely correct regarding historical connection. Unfortunately
it is implied in all "Zen and the Art of ?????" books.
So please consider the following. I have just looked at the book section
of Amazon.com and found the following titles. It is only a small and
partial list:

Zen and the art of...
Motorcycle maintenance
Archery
Martial arts
Making a living
Stand-up comedy
Writing
Pottery
Just sitting
Leadership
Murder
Guitar
Gardening
Stick fighting
Cooking
Painting
Postm,odern philosophy
Controlled accident
Windsurfing
Calligraphy
Teaching
Screen writing
Climbing mountains
Slaying vampires
Macintosh
Street fighting
Diabetes maintenance
Snowboarding
Loving
Casino gaming
Poker
Knitting
Falling in love
Travel
Golf
Monologu8e
Anything
etc., etc.

Christian had a far greater influence on our culture and you as
a clergyman is much better qualified to address that than I. Yet,
I have not found anywhere a title like "Presbyterian way to bowling"
or the "Southern Baptists an the Art of NASCAR."
I think by now you get the point. Mentioning Zen invokes a
strange, exotic, inscrutable Orient that Westerners can't really
understand. So let's use it in the title or the book and sell some books.

How about "Zen and the Internet" with matching volumes on
"Catholicism and Websurfing," "Java and Jews," and "Managing
email accounts for Muslims."

Cheers.

Peter Aradi
Tulsa, Oklahoma



----- Original Message -----
From: "Craig Cowing"
To:
Sent: Thursday, October 30, 2003 9:40 AM
Subject: [IBC] Spirit of Bonsai Design by Chye Tan


Jim Lewis wrote:

Greetings:

I am sorry to chime in, but I would be very interested
to find out where Mr. Chye Tan gained his experience
with Zen Buddhism.


Chime away, Peter. I was wondering the same thing you obviously
are. I have _never_ read anything reliable that tells me that
Zen and Bonsai have any direct connection -- but _I_ am not even
close to being an expert, so was reluctant to do any chiming
myself.

Of course, you can bring Zen into anything you do, I suppose --
even motorcycle maintenance. ;-)

snip


Jim Lewis - - Tallahassee, FL - The phrase
'sustainable growth' is an oxymoron. - Stephen Viederman


The historical connection between bonsai and Zen may be difficult to

establish, but
why can't a person from any given religious or philosophical persuasion

import
their faith *into* bonsai? For example, Iris Cohen and I have both found

very
strong links with our respective branches of the Judeo-Christian heritage,

yet the
people who first conceived of bonsai however many years ago certainly

weren't
Jewish or Christian.

We need to remember that just as bonsai is an art that continues to evolve

in terms
of techniques, so it is also a philosophical discipline (for some) which

continues
to evolve as well. Just because the author under discussion has made a

connection
with bonsai and Zen, does that mean he is claiming that there is a

historical
connection?

Craig Cowing
NY
Zone 5b/6a Sunset 37


************************************************** **************************
****
++++Sponsored, in part, by Lisa Kanis++++

************************************************** **************************
****
-- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ:
http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ --
+++++ Questions? Help? e-mail +++++


************************************************** ******************************
++++Sponsored, in part, by Lisa Kanis++++
************************************************** ******************************
-- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ:
http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ --
+++++ Questions? Help? e-mail +++++
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Old 30-10-2003, 05:42 PM
Craig Cowing
 
Posts: n/a
Default [IBC] Spirit of Bonsai Design by Chye Tan

"p.aradi" wrote:

Craig:

You absolutely correct regarding historical connection. Unfortunately
it is implied in all "Zen and the Art of ?????" books.
So please consider the following. I have just looked at the book section
of Amazon.com and found the following titles. It is only a small and
partial list:

Zen and the art of...
snip

Christian had a far greater influence on our culture and you as
a clergyman is much better qualified to address that than I. Yet,
I have not found anywhere a title like "Presbyterian way to bowling"
or the "Southern Baptists an the Art of NASCAR."
I think by now you get the point. Mentioning Zen invokes a
strange, exotic, inscrutable Orient that Westerners can't really
understand. So let's use it in the title or the book and sell some books.


No, but I do have a book entitled "The Bonsai Theory of Church Growth."


How about "Zen and the Internet" with matching volumes on
"Catholicism and Websurfing," "Java and Jews," and "Managing
email accounts for Muslims."

Cheers.

Peter Aradi
Tulsa, Oklahoma


Peter:
You're right, Zen is associated with mystery and has become a buzz word in our
culture, used by people who have absolutely no understanding of or appreciation for
Zen as a discipline.

No, there aren't books with titles such as you suggest, but Christianity has been
hijacked plenty of times by people looking for higher justifications for their
actions--witness the under-secretary of Defense recently who told a church group
that the US Army was a Christian army, implying that this "christian" army is on a
crusade in the Middle East. Very dangerous IMHO.

In terms of Christian concepts being taken over by a wider culture, I offer as
examples Christmas and Easter, with much of what our culture has done to these
observances having nothing to do with the birth or death/resurrection of Jesus.
Believe me, I am sympathetic to your concern about how Zen has been hijacked by
popular culture. It is probably unnerving.

Craig Cowing
NY
Zon4 5b/6a Sunset 37

************************************************** ******************************
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************************************************** ******************************
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Old 31-10-2003, 07:42 AM
Pat Patterson
 
Posts: n/a
Default [IBC] Spirit of Bonsai Design by Chye Tan

G'day all...

Jim said "...I'd have to see it in the flesh before I plunked cash for it..."

I'm with you on that one Jim.

Have a good day...

Pat...in South Eastern Arizona where we are getting California's smoke...


Dez of the Arizona High Dezert, at 4550', Oracle, AZ,
2000' above Tucson Sunset Zone 10 USDA Zone 8
aka: Pat Patterson 'riding off in all directions'

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