Saigyō-zakura (Saigyō and the Cherry Tree) : PhotoStory

As Saigyō sleeps under the cherry blossom tree, an old man appears in his dream.

The old man remonstrates with Saigyō about his poem when people came to view the cherry blossoms and disturbed the quiet: “It is the fault of the blossoms that the people gather.”

The blossoms are insentient, so they are without sin, the old man says. He reveals that he is the spirit of the tree.

The spirit of the tree is happy to make the acquaintance of Saigyō and be exposed to the teachings of Buddhism.

The spirit of the tree starts to dance, listing places in the capital that are famous for cherry blossoms.

Calmly, the spirit of the tree dances with dignity and elegance.

Time passes. At dawn, Saigyō awakens from his dream. The spirit of the tree has disappeared.