lens-artists photo challenge: simplicity

Across concealed blue skies – drifting signs

Imaginary birds and dragons – aimless shifting stories

Gathering and dispersing – water droplets and star dust

In flight – clouds empty of clouds

Nikon D750 f/1.8 1/800 35mm 200 ISO

This week Patti (P.A. Moed) invites us to “get back to the basics” and to share how we understand simplicity.

As I was re-reading the basic rules for the board game Go, I came to understand that while the game builds upon 6 simple rules it is an incredibly complex game with more possible configurations for pieces than atoms in the observable universe.

The true origin of Go is unknown. One of the legends tells us that it first emerge in China during the reign of the legendary Emperor Yao (2356 BC- 2255 BC) who created the game for one of his children.

Kano Yoshinori (Graded Go Problems for Beginners) outlines the 6 general rules as:

1) Go is played by two people (I enjoy playing alone as it feels more strategic than competitive) taking turns playing their moves, one stone at a time.

2) One side plays with black stones, the other white.

3) A move consisted of placing a stone on an intersection of the board. Stones can also be placed on the borders of the grid.

4) Once a stone is placed on an intersection, it cannot be moved to another point.

5) When one player has more knowledge and skill, the “weaker” player places more stones on the board to compensate for the difference in strength.

6) In an even game, the side holding the black stone always goes first. In a handicap game, it is the white who plays first.

Nikon D750 f/1.8 1/3200 35mm 200 ISO

At first glance, nature appears simple. The seasons flow from one into another. Clouds move across the sky creating amazing characters and awakening imaginary stories. Yet, when one become more intimate with Mother Earth’s dynamics there are multiple configurations that are beyond my imagination.

Please be safe…

14 thoughts on “lens-artists photo challenge: simplicity”

    1. Thank you for visiting an sharing a few words. There is a sharp contrast between stones and leaves. 🤓👵🏻🙏🏻Hope the soothing aided in relieving the pain.

  3. I love the way you used GO to compare with nature’s simplicity/complexity – a truly wonderful post this week Brenda. Your images are stunning as well.

    1. Thank you, Tina. I appreciate the effort invested in these lens-artists’ challenges especially during these times as a challenge has the potential to refocus.

  4. Ohh….gorgeous photos, Brenda. I love the sepia tones in the first one. And your analogy with nature is so true…What looks simple is in fact very complex. I’m glad you joined us!

  5. Hello, Brenda. Love your post, as always. I totally forgot about Go. My brother was (not sure he still is or not) pretty good playing the game, so one year I tried to learn the game because I wanted to play with him. We played for 5 minutes and I was totally confused. I quit after that 😄
    Haven’t had my first cup of coffee yet… what is the 7th rule? I read again after having coffee..
    Be safe.

    1. I find that I am bit confused…is it 6 rules or 7. I’m thinking 7; yet, I only found 6. I am so glad to hear from you…was a bit worried.

      1. 😉 I thought for sure it was my eyes; have made that kind of mistakes many times.
        You wouldn’t believe this: I have a note by my PC monitor and it says “Brenda”. That is supposed to remind me to write ;-( My newest Buddhist class is tough for me. Because it is not easy, we have daily (except Sat.) study group, and that means I have to prepare for the class every day (in case the host calls me to answer a question). It is, actually, a class helps you thinking. And this old and shrank brain… So sorry for haven’t written for a long while, Brenda.
        We are doing well. We may go out for a walk today — first time since we have lock-downs. I thought I should spend a little time with my husband… I have been ignoring him these weeks (because of my classes 😉
        Take care. (I do have a story to share with you. It will come soon 😉

      2. Confession…it was “7” I changed it to “6” after I read your first comment. I’ve been attending 7 online sangha meetings…sometimes twice a day. It is interesting to gather together and meet people from China, South Korea, Pakistan, Ireland, Spain, Italy, Germany, England, and across the United States. A time of separation; yet a time of unity. Meditation walks in the a.m. and music to toast the sunset with gratitude. Are you studying a particular Sutra. I’m still focused on the Heart Sutra. Please be safe…

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