International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET)
e-ISSN: 2395-0056
Volume: 12 Issue: 05 | May 2025
p-ISSN: 2395-0072
www.irjet.net
BONSAI AS A MULTIDIMENSIONAL ART THERAPEUTIC, CULTURAL, AND ENVIRONMENTAL SIGNIFICANCE IN MODERN CONTEXTS 1Sneha Mishra, 2Dr. Madhu Prakash Shrivastava, 3Dr. Kanchan Awasthi , 4Dr. Neeraj Jain 1Student, 2,3 Associate Professor, 4Professor
Department of Botany Maharishi University of Information and Technology, Lucknow, India ---------------------------------------------------------------------***---------------------------------------------------------------------
Abstract - This paper examines the myriad of components
or pruning, wiring, root restriction, to manipulate the growth to evoke the appearance of ancient trees in small form. This is evidence of a deep dialogue between culture and philosophy and nature, with direct emphasis on the harmony between the practice and respect for the concept of impermanence.
of bonsai from a historical base, methodology, cultural symbolism, therapeutic benefits, as well as contemporary aspects of this art. Based on Chinese penjing and perfected by the Zen Buddhist philosophy of Japanese tradition, bonsai goes beyond horticulture to symbolize principles of harmony, patience and wabi sabi—an acceptance of imperfection and impermanence. This research examines how the botanical miniaturization which is, AMONG OTHER THINGS, achieved with traditional techniques of pruning, wiring, and root control, operates both as an artistic and philosophical depth. Findings show that bonsai plays a crucial role in contributing to mental well being through its ability to decrease stress levels, help in being mindful and improve emotional resilience, even during periods of crisis, the COVID 19 pandemic, for instance, which proves the significance of bonsai in modern well being. Moreover, bonsai also turns out to be a tool for ecological sustainability involving the preservation of endangered species, as well as a mode for green cities in confined spaces as well. As a cultural aspect, it acts as a bridge between heritage preservation and global adaptation by integrating technology augumented reality to make it more accessible. Along with that, bonsai has relevance as a living art form in harmonizing between man’s creativity and nature’s rhythms, and as such is recommended to be used more in therapeutic, educational and environmental aspects.
Figure-1: Small Size Bonsai
Key Words: Bonsai, Miniaturization, Zen Buddhism, Horticultural Therapy, Sustainability.
1 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background The ancient art of cultivating miniature trees in containers is known as bonsai, a Japanese word, bon (tray) and sai (planting). Origins of the art form go back to Chinese penjing, a tradition initiated during the Tang Dynasty (618–907 CE) to create miniature landscapes representative of harmony between humans and nature. It was introduced to Japan by the 6th century and over there, bonsai developed, including the philosophy of wabi-sabi (celebration of imperfection, transience, and simplicity) and Zen Buddhist ideas. Bonsai is totally unlike horticulture for it is a form of meditative discipline in which artists have the technologies of pinching
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Figure-2: Large Size Bonsai
1.2 Research Problem Bonsai’s rich cultural heritage and technical sophistication is however yet to be applied to important but underrecognized fields like mental health therapy and ecological sustainability. Today, it is often forgotten that it can help
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