The Dharma of Gardening

Reflections by a Mindfulness Teacher and Garden Enthusiast

• There is only limited space in the garden. It is worthwhile asking the question: What do I want to grow in this space?
• Knowing your garden well helps to grow a good crop. Where is the favourite hiding place of the snails? Which part of the garden do I need to give some extra attention to?
• The weeding of that which isn’t beneficial automatically supports that which we want to strengthen. Sometimes the seeds don’t even need to be sown, they’re already in the soil: then all that is needed is giving attention to that which we don’t want to grow, so that which we want to strengthen is not drowned out. If we create good conditions for the goodness which is already there, and give it space to grow, it will.
• Just like us, plants don’t have an independent existence. Just like us, their wellbeing is dependent on many inner and outer conditions.
• It isn’t enough to chuck some seeds onto the grounds and walk away. Seeds need continuous nurturing to grow into a strong plant. From preparing the soil, to watering, weeding, protecting them through netting… Equally, it is not enough to sow a seed in our spiritual practice but then neglect it. We need to keep nurturing that which we have learned from insights and experience to be beneficial to us. The nurturing can consist of ‘inner weeding’ (weakening the habits which are harmful to us, by not sustaining them through repetition), contact with like minded people, reading books and listening to talks, making time for silence, spending as much time as possible outdoors, practising mindfulness in formal and informal periods, finding creative expressions of the being, exploring new things, slowing down…
• Like in gardening, there will be aspects in the practice which require some discipline/willpower. Pushing barrows of compost around does not always feel like fun. However, there needs to be joy in gardening as well as practice. The seeds of plants and practice will grow much better if they are nurtured by joy.
• Despite our best efforts, there will be things which are simply out of our control: like a heavy storm can take down a crop we have given much care to all season, unexpected, challenging events can ‘blow us over’ at times. In these times it is crucially important to remember: ‘This too will pass.’ No matter how heavy the storm, the sun will shine again, and something else will take the place of that which went.
• If we look out for insects,birds, worms and other creatures in the garden, they will support what we want to grow. A reminder of the interconnectedness of all things. Therefore: watch out for the tendency to reach for a mental ‘pesticide’ (aggression towards others in any form: written, spoken, acted out).
• The process of growing can not be rushed. It takes as long as it takes. Trying to hurry things up often results in the opposite. Growth needs much love, care and patience.
• Finally, with both gardening and meditation: the knees need a rest from time to time!

Happy Gardening!