Word 079
Near the entrance to Nara Park stands Himuro Shrine, home to a magnificent weeping cherry tree. Dedicated to the deity of ice, the shrine's cherry tree is known for blooming earlier than nearly any other in Nara.
Even among cherry trees standing in the very same park, the timing of their buds varies tree by tree. While the tree beside it may still hold its buds tightly closed, this one alone may already be unfurling into soft, delicate blossoms. And in other years, it is said, this tree remains closed even as everything around it reaches full bloom.
Every year, around this season, passersby pause for a moment, quietly check on the buds, and then walk on. No one rushes it. They simply wait for its time to come.
"Everyone has their own best timing."
No matter how much those around them cheer, rush, encourage, or reason with them,
a person will not move until it becomes their own "timing."
Let's watch over them.
This year too, the weeping cherry of Himuro Shrine will likely open its blossoms slowly, at a time all its own, different from the tree beside it. Early or late, that rhythm belongs to that tree alone. Until the moment it blooms, perhaps all we can do is stand quietly, and simply look up.