Orchids

A beautiful white orchid sits amidst a sea of pink African violets in a lovely Winter indoor garden. If we look deeply at these regal flowers, can we see the whole world in them? We not only see the blossoms, but also we see 'the place which is no place' where they are formed. We know with all our senses that this place fully embraces all places in this present moment. We look deeply, seeing not only the color and form of the orchid, but also its essence, its very nature of  'orchidness'. If we look mindfully and deeply enough, we see ourselves, and our own true nature as well.  

Looking mindfully at these flowers, with an open heart and curious mind, we can see the bark they grow in broken down into nutrients, and the water enlivening the lifeblood of the leaves and stem. We see the light that nurtures the plant, and the gentle hands of the caretaker who so carefully tends them. If we look deeply enough at the orchid, we can see the tangle of green roots and resilient stalks flourishing, setting buds, and slowly ripening them. Looking deeply, we also see the vast expanse of blue sky above and spaciousness of the earth's atmosphere. They enable the orchid flower's opening and sustain it in glorious bloom.We see the places where producers grow potted plants in their greenhouses; we see the merchants who bring these orchids to market so we can add the beauty of these exotic plants to our indoor gardens.

Looking deeply, we see myriad conditions coming together in the orchid. Everything that the plant is, is interconnected. All these things arise simultaneously to create the flower we experience with our senses in the present moment. In the same way, all things arising in our practice of zen-cuisine are interconnected. In zen-cuisine the foods we make bring colour, form, sound, breath, thoughts, feelings into one interconnected experience. In the kitchen these causes and conditions all arise together in the vast interplay of the present moment. Everything is that is simultaneously arising here and now is held within Awareness itself. Know that in our essence, we are this Awareness. And as this Awareness we are manifesting the fullness and beauty of life. 
For zen-cuisine recipes: Juicy Foods Blog