Tree of Generations

Goshin, the "Guardian of the Spirit," captivates with its powerful presence. A single composition made up of eleven juniper trees stretches out like a majestic, tall, ancient forest. Each tree stands upright, tall, enduring, and eternal. At the same time, they are gently inclined toward each other, as if whispering timeless secrets. There is a primordial strength and tranquility that John Yoshio Naka imbued in his work—Goshin is not merely an arrangement of plants; it is a symbol of bonds that connect generations, protect the spirit of the past, and carry the promise of the future. Each tree is like a memory, a testament to life in balance with nature, embodying ideas of permanence and change, bringing spiritual peace.

The philosophy of bonsai is based on concepts drawn from Zen, a pursuit of harmony between humans and nature. Creating a perfect bonsai, like Goshin, requires humility and perseverance, as well as an understanding that each tree has its own story, and each shape has its meaning. Bonsai is more than aesthetics—it is a meditation on time and form. In this art, the rhythm of nature is palpable, and every bark ridge, every leaf, has its purpose, its story. Bonsai is life condensed into miniature, subjected to subtle yet decisive human shaping, while remaining free in its natural expression.

For centuries, bonsai artists in both Japan and China have given this dialogue between humans and nature various forms, striving to capture the beauty of wild landscapes and nature’s eternal balance. Bonsai, though small in its physical form, possesses the power to affect the viewer profoundly. And among the many incredible works of this Japanese art, Goshin holds a special place. For over 70 years, it has been recognized as one of bonsai’s greatest masterpieces, not only as a technical marvel but as a spiritual work, holding deep meaning for successive generations of enthusiasts.

In today's article, we will explore the philosophy and significance of Goshin and examine the story of its creation—each of the eleven trees symbolizes one of the creator’s eleven grandchildren. We will also discover the roots of the bonsai art itself, along with its fundamental principles, techniques, and the world’s most inspiring works. Join us on a journey through the world of bonsai—where each tree tells its story, and each form leads to reflections on one’s own life and the world around.

A Closer Look at the Majestic Goshin

The name "Goshin" (護神) reveals the first hints—the character 護 ("go") means "protect" or "guard," and the character 神 ("shin") stands for "deity" or "spirit," referring to the spiritual dimension that, in Japanese culture, links humans with nature and higher forces. Together, these characters form the concept of a "Guardian of the Spirit"—not merely as a protector of the physical form, but as a caretaker of the intangible, spiritual essence that bonsai represents. The guardian of spirituality, the protector of an ancient view of nature as sacred, as divine, as sacrosanct.

As the "Guardian of the Spirit," Goshin reflects not only respect for nature and impermanence but also a commitment to care for what is invisible yet most essential. Naka chose this name, inspired by the cryptomeria forest surrounding a certain shrine in Japan—a sacred place where the trees stood as silent witnesses to time and spiritual guardians of peace and harmony. In the context of bonsai, this name becomes a reflection on durability and heritage, showing how art can serve as a protector of the spirit of tradition, uniting generations in an enduring dialogue with nature.

Goshin is a composition of eleven junipers, varying not only in height but also in shape and placement within the group, creating a complex image of life and relationships. The largest tree, standing centrally, rises majestically above the others, with its sprawling branches exuding strength and tranquility. It symbolizes stability, experience, and protection—like a guide and guardian for the younger trees.

At the back, on the far edge, hides the smallest tree, modest and barely noticeable in the shadow of the larger ones. Its discreet presence, however, does not diminish its significance; in this composition, even the smallest elements have their place and role. This tree can be interpreted as a symbol of childhood, youth—delicate yet full of potential for growth. By choosing it to represent his eldest grandchild, Naka conveyed that the smallest and most unseen family members can play a crucial role, serving as the beginning of a new life cycle. This smallest tree and the largest one frame the composition, without which the entire forest would lose its balance—a symbolic representation of the idea that each life, young and old, coexists and supports each other.

The branches of each tree are meticulously pruned, and some have been left dry, creating dead limbs that play an essential role in the composition. These dead fragments, known in bonsai as "jin" (神 - "divine") and "shari" (舎利 - "remains"), symbolize decay, death, and the continuity of the life cycle. In bonsai art, such details bring a profound reflection on the inevitability of time and the necessity of accepting the end as part of the natural order. In Goshin, the dead branches remind us that every living being carries within it the traces of the past and impermanence—marks that define its unique character and beauty.

The trees in Goshin, though of varying sizes and shapes, form a harmonious composition. In bonsai, harmony does not stem from symmetry but from balance in diversity—the trees of different heights and forms co-create a unified whole without disturbing each other. This is a lesson in the coexistence of different qualities, which, when properly arranged, can coexist and strengthen each other. Goshin, in its structure, is a beautiful metaphor for family harmony—each member, regardless of role and age, contributes something unique, creating a complex yet unified network of support and collaboration.

Through these visual and philosophical aspects, Goshin illustrates the cyclicity of life, impermanence, and the value of human connections that endure despite inevitable changes. The trees, like family members, support each other, forming a community where each has its place and significance—from the smallest to the largest, from the youngest to the oldest.

The Tree's History and Its Creator

John Yoshio Naka was born in Colorado in 1914 as the son of Japanese immigrants, but from a young age, his heart beat to the rhythm of Japanese traditions. Raised with respect for nature, he drew inspiration from the view of ancient bonsai in his grandfather’s garden, admiring their subtle, meditative presence. For young John, bonsai became more than just a plant in a pot—it became an art form, whose mission was to convey the beauty of nature in miniature. When he moved permanently to California as an adult, it turned out that John was not only a practitioner but also a visionary and teacher who revolutionized the approach to bonsai in America, combining elements of classical Japanese art with a modern American perspective in his works.

In 1948, John Naka began a project that later became legendary—Goshin, the "Guardian of the Spirit." Initially, he had only two small Foemina junipers, which he combined into a "two-tree" composition, creating dynamic tension between harmony and rivalry. However, he soon realized that this modest form did not fully convey the forest vision he carried in his heart. The memory of the cryptomeria forest around a Japanese shrine inspired him to create something larger—a full, vibrant "forest" in a pot. In 1963, he combined three trees, adding more with the help of his friend Masa Imai, who offered him several additional junipers. This created a composition of seven trees, intended to symbolize Naka’s seven grandchildren.

However, the work on Goshin was not without obstacles. Soon, one of the trees, "tree number six," died. Multiple attempts to replace it with new seedlings ended similarly—the new trees could not survive in this particular part of the pot. Suspecting a drainage issue, Naka decided to manually drill an additional hole, giving "number six" a chance to survive. These minor, technical adjustments were expressions of his attention to detail and extraordinary patience, which bonsai art requires.

In 1973, when Naka had eleven grandchildren, Goshin reached its final form—a forest of eleven trees, each symbolizing one of his beloved grandchildren. This composition became not only an artistic manifesto but also a tribute to family, a portrait of intergenerational love and care.

In 1984, Naka, aware of the value of his work, decided to donate Goshin to the National Bonsai Museum, where it could be admired by future generations. Goshin became the first exhibit in the newly opened American Bonsai Pavilion at the National Arboretum in Washington, D.C. As Naka’s legacy and symbol, this bonsai took an honored place, and its creator regularly visited Washington to personally oversee the care of his masterpiece.

But the legend of Goshin did not end there. In 1999, at the request of his students and collaborators, Naka created a replica called "Goshin II," and a year later, another, "Goshin III." These copies went to California, to the Golden State Bonsai Federation collection, to keep the memory of his work alive on the West Coast, where Naka taught and inspired successive generations. Each of these replicas is a reminder of the original piece, which watches over the spirit of bonsai in Washington, bringing to the world the art of harmony, transience, and a profound bond with nature.

Goshin exemplifies the art of bonsai, a tradition over fifteen centuries old in Japan. Let us briefly acquaint ourselves with what it truly represents.

Bonsai – The Art of Patience

Bonsai (盆栽), literally meaning "tree in a bowl" or "plant in a container," is an art whose roots go back to ancient China. The word "bonsai" consists of two kanji characters: 盆 (bon), meaning "bowl" or "container," and 栽 (sai), meaning "plant" or "cultivate." Over time, the meaning of these symbols evolved to represent more than just a technique—bonsai became a symbol of balance, harmony, and the bond between man and nature. Long ago in China, this art was known as penjing (盆景), meaning "landscape in a bowl." Chinese penjing was the precursor to bonsai, and its aim was to recreate entire landscapes in miniature—with mountains, waterfalls, and many trees, not just a single tree.

Bonsai, like many Asian traditions, began in ancient China, where as early as the 3rd and 4th centuries AD, Buddhist monks experimented with creating miniature trees and landscapes, believing they could reflect not only the beauty of nature but also deeper spiritual meaning. In this art, they saw a tool for meditation and introspection, a way to contemplate the changing seasons and reflect on the impermanence of life. This tradition was brought to Japan in the 6th century by Buddhist monks, where it underwent transformation and evolution, becoming more focused on individual trees rather than complex landscapes, which aligned with Zen aesthetics and philosophy. And again—as with many Asian traditions—when it transitioned from China to Japan, it gained a distinctly Japanese aesthetic, fitting into ideals of minimalism and Zen.

In terms of spirituality and philosophy, bonsai became an art closely tied to meditation and the pursuit of inner harmony. In Zen, it is about achieving a balance between form and emptiness, and bonsai is a perfect expression of this: the tree is a "miniature world," where every leaf and branch symbolizes harmony and peace. For Zen monks, cultivating bonsai was a spiritual practice, requiring patience, humility, and an understanding of the life cycle. The tree, growing in a small container, is a metaphor for human life—limited, yet full of possibilities for growth and development toward harmony.

The symbolism of bonsai encompasses not only harmony and balance but also concepts like transience, impermanence, and the coexistence of opposites. Bonsai teaches acceptance of the natural processes of aging and decay, which give the tree unique character and beauty. Dead branches, twisted trunks, and asymmetrical forms here become metaphors for life experiences and transformations that each person undergoes. It is not just an aesthetic decoration; it is a living symbol of spiritual peace and an inner acceptance of imperfection and impermanence—the concepts of wabi-sabi and mono no aware—two of the most fundamental Japanese aesthetics, practically defining "Japaneseness."

Bonsai has evolved over the centuries, yet the basic idea remains unchanged: to create harmony and balance between nature and man, where each tree is a unique work of art and a profound expression of spirituality. Today, bonsai art is practiced worldwide, still inspiring contemplation, harmony, and nurturing a bond with nature.

The Basics of Bonsai Art

Principles

The philosophy of bonsai is founded on several key principles that serve as the technical and spiritual bedrock of this art. The first of these principles is harmony (和 "wa"), which aims for balance between form and nature. Every bonsai should mimic the natural shape of a tree while reflecting a harmonious relationship between humans and nature. Thus, bonsai is not merely a miniature tree but a model of perfect order and tranquility that humans find in nature.

The next principle is simplicity (簡素 "kanso"), which emphasizes minimalism and the elimination of all unnecessary elements. In bonsai, excessive ornamentation is avoided, aiming to capture the essence of the tree through restrained, simple forms. This simplicity is not only visual; it also reflects clarity of thought and focus on the essential, which is one of the foundations of Zen philosophy.

The third principle is patience (悠久 "yukyū"), expressing an understanding of life’s cyclical nature and acceptance of transience. Bonsai is a tree that lives for many years, often passed down through generations. Its shaping process requires time and patience—each change is the result of years of care and diligence. A tree that has been cultivated for decades becomes a symbol of the eternal cycle of life and nature’s permanence.

Techniques

One of the fundamental techniques in bonsai is shaping (整形 "seikei"), which involves forming the tree through pruning and wiring. This process allows the plant to take on a desired shape, controlling the growth of branches and the trunk to reflect a natural appearance that is both asymmetrical and harmonious. An example is the kengai (懸崖) technique, or "cascade" style, where the trunk and branches hang below the pot's level, imitating a tree growing on a steep slope. This technique, requiring precise wiring and shaping, creates compositions symbolizing resilience and the ability to endure difficult conditions.

Wiring (針金掛け "kanekake") is a technique that involves wrapping branches and the trunk with wire to shape them as desired. The wire is left on the tree for a set period until the trunk and branches take the intended shape. This is a delicate process—the wiring must be done precisely to avoid damaging the plant. Symbolically, wiring expresses harmony between human intent and the tree’s natural growth, showcasing adaptability and the ability to adjust to changes.

Pruning (剪定 "sentei") is another essential technique involving the removal of excess leaves and branches. The goal of pruning is to control the tree's growth and give it a specific appearance. Pruning young shoots encourages the development of smaller branches, increasing the density and fullness of the crown. There is also a defoliation technique (葉刈り "hagari"), which involves removing all leaves in the summer to stimulate the plant to produce new, smaller leaves. Symbolically, pruning reflects an act of purification, minimalism, and the elimination of excess—akin to the Zen philosophy of achieving simplicity and clarity (similar to ikebana, see here: Ikebana).

Another element is creating deadwood, known as jin (神) and shari (舎利), which gives bonsai the appearance of an old, seasoned tree. Jin involves stripping bark from a selected branch to make it look dead, creating a raw, "bare" wood effect, or kikuta. Shari is a technique of removing bark along the trunk, giving it the look of an ancient tree that has survived harsh conditions. Jin and shari give the tree character, adding a patina of time and expressing the inevitability of passing. A tree with dead branches is like a person who has endured life’s hardships and carries marks of the past—a symbol of survival and resilience.

These techniques, rooted in precise principles, teach patience and acceptance of natural processes. Bonsai is not about achieving perfect symmetry but rather about capturing nature’s beauty and harmony, enduring through generations. Every act—from pruning to wiring and creating jin and shari—carries symbolic meaning, reminding us that life is a continuous process of shaping and adapting to circumstances.

The Most Famous Bonsai in History

The bonsai we admire today have ancient roots, with some of the oldest specimens surviving through centuries. One of the most famous is a Japanese red pine located in the Imperial Palace in Tokyo. This bonsai is over 500 years old and is not only a masterful work of art but also a symbol of longevity and continuity of tradition. This pine has survived the Edo period, when the art of bonsai was nurtured by samurai as an expression of their discipline, respect for nature, and search for spiritual balance. For Japanese warriors, tending to bonsai was also a form of meditation, allowing for concentration and developing patience, which was a valuable trait in their daily lives.

Another unique specimen is a bonsai in the Chokkan (直幹) or upright style, known as Hachinoki (鉢の木). The story of Hachinoki goes back to the Kamakura period (1185–1333) and is tied to a tale of samurai loyalty. Legend has it that a poor samurai burned his bonsai to warm a freezing traveler, who turned out to be an imperial envoy. This story has survived the centuries as a tale of honor and sacrifice, and the Hachinoki bonsai became a symbol of samurai virtues. Though the original tree did not survive, this story reflects the spiritual dimension of bonsai and its connection to the values of Japanese society.

Another example is a white pine called "Yamaki," located in the National Bonsai Museum in Washington, D.C. This tree, over 390 years old, survived the atomic bombing of Hiroshima in 1945. The Yamaki Pine is a testament to endurance and resilience, symbolizing the Japanese concept of gaman (我慢, more here: Gaman)—stoic endurance and strength in the face of adversity. The story of the Yamaki Pine is one of hope and permanence (read more about the trees that survived Hiroshima here: Hibakujumoku).

Currently, the oldest known bonsai in the world is a pine called the "Sacred Pine of the Japanese Empire" (皇帝の白松 - Kōtei no Shiramatsu), located in the Shunka-en gardens in Tokyo, tended by Master Kunio Kobayashi. This tree is over 1,000 years old and is considered a living testament to ancient traditions and the craftsmanship of many generations of bonsai. The history of this pine goes back to ancient times when it was cared for by monks and Japanese aristocrats as part of spiritual practice, inspiring subsequent generations. It is not only a valuable botanical specimen but also a symbol of nature’s permanence and durability—an ideal that has inspired bonsai artists for centuries to strive for excellence, patience, and harmony with the surrounding world.

Bonsai in Poland

Bonsai art is becoming increasingly popular in Poland, with enthusiasts of this Japanese heritage creating numerous associations that actively promote and develop bonsai on Polish soil. One of the most recognizable associations is the Polish Bonsai Association (PAB - https://bonsaiklub.pl/), founded in 2004, bringing together bonsai enthusiasts from across the country. PAB organizes numerous workshops, exhibitions, and educational events, allowing bonsai enthusiasts to exchange knowledge and improve their skills. Within the association, regular demonstrations and presentations are held, where participants can learn more about different bonsai styles, techniques, and traditions.

The largest bonsai event in Poland is the National Bonsai Exhibition, held annually in different cities (in 2024, it was the World Orchid, Bonsai, and Succulent Exhibition, held on April 13 at PGE Narodowy in Warsaw). This exhibition attracts bonsai artists and enthusiasts from Poland and abroad, providing an opportunity to exchange experiences and admire unique bonsai specimens presented by masters of the art from all over Europe. During the exhibition, various bonsai styles can be seen—from classic upright forms (Chokkan) to cascade (Kengai) and semi-cascade (Han-Kengai) compositions. Organizers also ensure an educational component, offering demonstrations of pruning, wiring, and bonsai shaping techniques.

Bonsai can also be seen at numerous exhibitions organized by botanical gardens, such as those in Warsaw, Krakow, or Wrocław, which sometimes host special bonsai displays and conduct demonstrations on tree care. Thanks to these events, bonsai art is becoming increasingly accessible and understandable to a wider audience in Poland, and interest in it is growing each year.

Conclusion

As bonsai art evolves and spreads worldwide, it gains new meanings and interpretations that respond to the needs of modern nature and meditation enthusiasts. Rooted in Zen philosophy and Taoist ideals of harmony, bonsai has survived for centuries, not only as an art form but also as a method of reflection on the life cycle. Bonsai has become a symbol of endurance and inner peace, attracting new generations seeking balance in a busy world.

Statistics show that interest in bonsai is rising worldwide, including in Poland. Annual exhibitions such as the National Bonsai Exhibition or the World Orchid, Bonsai, and Succulent Exhibition draw thousands of spectators who admire unique specimens and learn how to care for these miniature trees. At the same time, more and more people are engaging in bonsai organizations, such as the Polish Bonsai Association, which regularly hosts workshops and educational events. This trend suggests that bonsai art has the potential to develop in Poland as well, inspiring successive generations to contemplate the beauty of nature in a domestic setting.

Thanks to technology and global access to knowledge, bonsai is becoming an art accessible to anyone who wants to learn plant care and reflect on the cycle of life. This living artwork—like Goshin—will survive for generations, reminding us of the harmony between humans and nature and the values that endure regardless of changing times.

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 A connoisseur of Asian culture with a deep-seated appreciation for various philosophies of the world. By education, psychologist and Korean philologist. By heart, an Android developer and an ardent tech aficionado. In tranquil moments, he champions a disciplined way of life, firmly believing that steadfastness, perpetual self-enhancement, and a dedication to one's passions is a sensible path for life.

Personnal Motto:

"The most powerful force in the universe is compound interest."  - Albert Einstein (possibly)

  Mike Soray

(aka Michał Sobieraj)

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