Report From PIA – January 29
Yesterday I was writing about something we gardeners frequently repeat: right plant, right place. These four words sum up the wisdom of placing a plant in the conditions where it will thrive. Shade plants in the shade, those that like moisture in a wet location etc.
The phrase right plant, right place reminded me of right livelihood, one of the principle teachings of the Buddha’s Noble Eightfold Path. Right livelihood means not to have an occupation that brings harm to others such as trading in weapons, or slaves.
In my spiritual view (not Buddhist but always willing to gain insight) not doing harm isn’t enough. I would expand the concept of right livelihood to mean working in a profession that brings you joy. If people are doing a job that brings them delight, it’s likely that this happiness will spill over to others.
This isn’t always easy, of course. Sometimes people need to do jobs that don’t bring them pleasure simply to pay the rent and put food on the table. But what if we, as a society, worked toward the goal of planting each person in the perfect place?
A Hydrangea isn't the right plant for a hot, dry spot. A 'Nikko Blue' Hydrangea isn't the right plant for underneath the windows in a foundation planting, since they grow over five feet high. But if you want a Hydrangea for a foundation planting in part shade, this City Line Paris is the perfect plant. Ah... the right plant in the right place.
