The Vine and Zen Philosophy
After weeks of traveling, feeling a bit exhausted ,we decided to spend the Christmas holiday with a friend’s family at a vineyard in Mâcon. This is small town in the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region, nestled along the Saône River, is not only known for a beautiful landscapes but also as one of France’s key wine-producing areas. Mâcon is famous for its endless vineyards, mild climate, and long winemaking tradition—especially its Chardonnay white wines and reds made from Gamay and Pinot Noir. Just the thought of visiting the vineyard and learning more about wine excited me.
It was snow last night. The next morning, we took the dogs for a walk through the vineyards. The snow covered the bare vines, creating a surreal sight. Nature's transformation is truly magical—at the end of autumn, as temperatures drop, the vines shed their leaves and enter dormancy. The sap slows down, and metabolic activity almost ceases. On the outside, the twisted branches seem frozen in time, but within, life quietly pulses, waiting for the moment of rebirth.
The bark rough and deep roots protect the vines from the harsh cold, protecting them against frost. This dormancy phase allows the plant to conserve energy, recover from the past season, and prepare for the bloom of spring. As the weather warms, the breath of spring seeps into every crevice, awakening the hidden buds beneath the rough bark. The sap begins to flow again, sending nutrients upward, coaxing the tiny buds to unfurl. Little green specks emerge on the once-barren branches, signaling the start of a new growth cycle.
Then, under the gentle March sunlight, young leaves gradually stretch out, and tender buds open. The vines, after their long winter sleep, enter a new phase of life, once again producing lush grape clusters for the next harvest.
This transition from winter to spring reminds me of a fundamental Buddhist truth: Suffering is an inevitable part of life, but it is through overcoming suffering that we attain true enlightenment and happiness. It also echoes the concept of impermanence - nothing remains unchanged. The vines' cyclical adaptation to harsh weather is a lesson for us: not to cling too tightly to anything but to live in harmony with nature and be present in the moment. Understanding this truth helps us embrace change, find peace amidst loss, and cherish the fleeting beauty of life.
