March 29, 2026
Dharma Message

It appears as if the wisteria tree or vine at the minister’s house was going through a seasonal disorder. However, within a few warm days the flowers are blooming. The pods are still twisting and popping out their seeds. I have been hit several times by the flying seeds. The show of blossoms is a sure sign of Spring.

The wisteria or Zinteng (purple vine) has been grown in China since the 5th Century. It was in a tea merchant’s garden when the source of interest caught the eye of the British. In 1816, Captain Weller, a British merchant brought the first Ziteng to Britain. It would be a botanist, Thomas Nuttall that would officially name this tree or vine, the wisteria. It was given this name in honor of the botanist’s good friend, Dr.Casper Wister.

Culturally, the wisteria has many symbolic meanings. This tree or vine represents the final elegant stage of Spring. It symbolizes longevity, wisdom, romance and immortality. The Japanese view the wisteria (Fuji) as eternal life. While in Korea, the wisteria represents affection that lasts after death.

The wisteria is also a symbol of wisdom and honor. It shows resiliency, for the growth of the wisteria can endure centuries. They are strong and can thrive. The intertwining branches symbolizes family bond, long-lasting friendship and loyalty. The Victorian viewed the intertwining branches as “holding on to a loved one”.

Color of the wisteria also has its meaning. The purple/lavender color represents nobility and adoration. This color is associated with higher ranking individuals. The white wisteria is seen as purity and new beginnings. This color is associated with tenderness, nostalgia and calm. The pink wisteria represents gentle affection, romance and loving welcome. Because of its rarity, the pink wisteria carries a magical, elegant aesthetics. The blue wisteria represents tranquility, peace, and serenity. It is associated with a deeper emotion element, which include longing or lost love.

The purple wisteria is the official crest (Mon, Jpn) of the Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji-ha school of Buddhism. This is our mother temple in Kyoto, Japan. Many Jodo Shinshu temples/churches would have a crest hanging in their temple. It is a crest of two stems of blossoms hanging downward, with two vines in the middle. The wisteria forms a circle representing a welcoming heart and mind and the beauty of a life of humility. The drooping hanging flowers is our bow of respect to Amida Buddha. It is the idea of humility, and sincere aspiration to Buddha. The flowers are our reminder of the principle of impermanence. We live within a constant, natural change of life.

Who would have thought that the wisteria could have so much meaning and associations? We see the beauty of the blossoms, its fragrance and color yet, we do not see beyond that. It is when we attain a little wisdom, we see the wisteria with new eyes and a renewed appreciation. It is Nembutsu/Namu Amida Butsu that we share our thankfulness, gratitude and appreciation for the teachings of seeing the beauty around us and its teachings that bring our hearts and minds back to the Buddha Dharma.

Gassho,
Rev. Naomi Nakano