Japanese dogma has made “Zen” a household word know around the world, Japan’s aesthetics are drawn inspirationally from elements of nature and Buddhist philosophies. The art of traditional Japanese architecture and gardens with their aesthetically pleasing elegant simplicity has inspired and fascinated generations of artisans. The spiritual master Shunryu Suzuki who was born a short drive from my photography studio in Kanagawa once said “Whatever you do is Zen. That is why I like Zen. In the beginner’s mind there are many possibilities, but in the experts’ there are few.”
The “beginners mind” in Zen Buddhism we call this ‘Shoshin,' having an attitude of openness and lack of preconceptions when approaching any study, even when studying at an advanced level, just as a beginner in that subject would. For as long as I can remember I have striven to enjoy the beginner's mindset. Sacred Mt. Fuji I have visited hundreds of times with camera in hand, and every time I return I am happy, eager with enthusiasm and curiosity to experiencing the new perspective.