The Chinese name for the peony is sho yu. It means, simply, most beautiful. The poet Sensei Ogui finds a lesson in its moment of lifetime:
Peonies bloom on peony trees.
A cat doesn’t become a chicken.
Tulips are tulips, not roses.
Why can’t we realize this true fact?
That to be me is great.
I don’t have to be anyone but me.
I am blooming as I am in my life, just as a peony blooms on a peony tree.
Further, a beautiful peony flower does not worry about when it will wilt and fall to the ground.
It does not compete with the flower next to it;
rather it blooms with its whole self.
~Sensei Ogui, from “Zen Shin Talks”
Peony photos by Mary O’Connor, © 2013
Life Is Full of Sweet Spots 
Wise words. GORGEOUS photos!
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It’s the peonies that are GORGEOUS! They prompt wise words!
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Beautiful and stunning!
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How can one not admire the peony!?!
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the words and the peony are equally wonderful and true
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Peonies are one of my favorite (and wonderful) flowers…
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I enjoyed this post. Very well done!!!
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Glad you enjoyed it. Thought you might!
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