A simple seeker was meditating on, or was she just thinking about, next year’s garden.
“Why not just call it planning?”
“Planning has to develop out of …”
“Out of what?”
“Out of awareness of what is pleasing and what is not pleasing, and given the limits of a small garden area, what might be even more pleasing than was pleasing this past season. Also, there’s the yearly chore of restricting the space that existing plants can be allowed to expand into.”
“And attacking those who have spread beyond their allotted area?”
“Attacking sounds violent.”
“Is there a gentle way to cut them back?”
“I’ve tried restricting their spread by placing patio stones between them, but …”
“Their roots find a way to reach under them and …”
“Yes. Then I cut them back, but it doesn’t work.”
“What does work?”
“Digging up the whole clump and subdividing it.”
“Then what?”
“One third gets to return to the original area, and the rest goes to a new home, or the compost.”
“Do all of your plants get the same treatment?”
“No. There are some who are just too dear to me to risk disturbing.”
“How to deal with the invasive nature of their roots?”
Their individual root systems spread at individual depths and densities, beneath the surface of the ground. Of course, their roots, too, must be cut back when they endanger more fragile plants. But, if they can work it out together, I try to provide enough water, nutrients, compost and loam to keep them all happy. Also, gentle hoeing discourages wandering roots.”
“How would such a system of control work in keeping the peace between groups of people?”
“What do you mean?”
“Does your garden collection of competing needs remind you of human society?”
“In a way, yes. We each have personal needs, and so does everyone else.”
“Yes.”
“So, how to resolve such a situation of competition for limited resources?”
“Self-control, co-operation, and mutual respect.”
“And, if that doesn’t work?”
‘Then the law of the jungle will.”
“Survival of the fittest, and those who adapt?”
“Yes.”
…..
A simple seeker’s note to herself
The law of the jungle and the survival of the fittest sounds so uncivilized.
“They are.”
“So, why would Nature develop such a system?”
“What do you mean?”
“If Nature is an example of how humans are meant to live, …”
“Humans are part of Nature.”
“Are we supposed to see the rest of Nature as a role model?”
“A role model for what?”
“For how to live.”
“Sharp teeth and claws?”
“Yes.”
“Not all of Nature is aggressive, and even the most vicious animals kill only to live.”
“And not all plant life includes invasive roots.”
“Yes. Some multiply by simply producing seed that are scattered by the wind.”
“Yes, the vegetable and animal kingdom can provide for human needs, and as examples of possible ways to interact with other species.”
“But humans also have intelligence.”
“Humans also are capable of love, and yet are also capable of very unloving actions.”
“Perhaps we have the potential to learn from the rest of Nature, and to develop a more loving society.”
“Yes, and in time you will.”
…….
Simple Seekers 