This summer sees the coming together of a great team of gardeners in The Ziji Garden. During the autumn and winter months of 2017 the foundations were laid and the team connected via Zoom, phone calls and messenger. But … we are finally together in the phenomenal world of the garden and working as a phenomenal team!
So, who are we? Let’s drop convention and bypass traditional introduction style, replete with banal mini biographies. Instead, let me introduce the harmony we bring to the garden and the team by introducing our elemental natures.
We arrive here as the four sensory qualities of solidity, fluidity, temperature and mobility. The garden team are the four elements and are characterised as earth, water, fire, and air.
Simon Bertin is Head of Garden. He is air. The work of a Ziji Gardener can be heavy and Simon brings a lightness to the team and to the garden. As a vigilant protector, he takes care of the garden and his team working with diligence and clarity. He personifies expansion as the garden expands and grows and the rest of the team grow as warriors and protectors of the garden! Simon’s words of deep knowledge reverberate around the garden for staff and visitors alike to hear. His wisdom vibrates on the air and brings us joy.
Bart Bergman is the second gardener. He is water. Bart flows like a river through our garden life, consistent and unending. His movement is fluid and his attitude brings a mildness and meditativeness to the team. Like water, Bart brings stability and strength to the team. The flowing nature of water provides a cohesiveness needed by the other elements. Bart is understanding and forgiving and his devotion runs throughout the garden.
Cash Clay is the third gardener. She is fire. Cash brings vigorous energy and enthusiasm to the Ziji Garden. She brings courage and action and offers creativity to the team. Like fire, Cash brings heat and warmth to the team and the garden. Sometimes the element of fire burns erratically but always zealously.
This is The Ziji Garden and so, of course, all three warriors are earth. We are here to generate and nourish. We share a common groundedness and love of land. As earth, we practise responsibility and respect. Respect of land, of plants and of each other. We are reliable, consistent and conscientious.
So this is us – The Ziji Garden Team – earth, water, fire, and air. We strive to work together and we complement each other and create harmony offering protection to the earth and providing food for staff and guests at Dechen Chöling.
And most importantly, the three of us come together with the land and the creatures and the plants to cultivate the elements of space and consciousness. With much love.
Post writer: Cash Clay