Taiwan's Back Garden — With My Love

Text and images by Chen Chi-Hsiang. Taiwanese people are blessed; our beautiful treasure island possesses rich and diverse nature, a geographical landscape unparalleled in the world. Surrounding us is an ocean park of blue skies and green seas, with lush natural gardens stretching along the eastern mountains. Mountains and seas are within reach, allowing us to embrace nature at any time. Here, the benevolent enjoy the mountains and the wise enjoy the waters, all readily available, bringing great joy. Yet, in this heaven on earth endowed with unique advantages, how many truly enjoy the blue and green gardens we possess? Clearly, the aesthetic beauty of the treasure island is often intentionally or unintentionally overlooked in our busy lives. Do we cherish our blessings? Watching everyone busily without knowing why, the elegance of Taiwanese people seems hard to find, raising the question of whether we are aware of it.

Taiwan is the imprint of my life and my spiritual homeland. Fortunately, in recent years I have had more time to live on my own land, returning to the embrace of my motherland, feeling infinite honor and happiness. I often say, "Under the grace of Heaven, how happy I am." Stepping firmly on the soil of Taiwan, I bow respectfully to the land of my birth, dedicating myself to learning and experiencing everything deeply. In recent years, I have become like a migratory bird; when the autumn air is crisp, it is time for overseas wanderers to return home. Being able to travel between the two sides of the strait and three regions that I love is truly super happy. This sense of happiness comes from "love"; in the realm of love, there is my tenderness and devotion.

Returning to one's hometown is the most beautiful, a beauty rooted in emotions deep as the soil. This feeling and awareness cannot be measured by material things, nor can it be replaced by Paris or London. In the embrace of my hometown mother, I find my warmest and another complete world. Under deep affection and love, which is beyond words, happiness is written on my face. Although Taiwan lacks the rich humanistic and artistic activities of Paris, France, and London, or attractive gardens and parks, its landscapes and visuals offer a different kind of wonder. But in the deep affection of my hometown, there is my emotion and love. In the world of emotion and love, nothing can replace the aesthetic beauty of humanistic art.

I love art, humanities, gardens, parks, flowers, and plants. On this treasure island of Taiwan, with its verdant green mountains and clear waters, and azure blue seas, abundant resources, and simple and honest people, there is no place comparable to paradise. Although the parks or gardens themselves here may not be outstanding, the rich and diverse natural scenery of the beautiful treasure island surpasses human-made natural landscapes. Taiwan's native nature itself is an incomparable grand garden, dense and lush, with blooming branches, insect songs, and bird calls, so natural. Which garden in the world can compare? Taiwan's dragon vein—the Central Mountain Range—is the most beautiful and magnificent garden of Taiwan. Although I am not a sage, I frequently take mountain walks in Taiwan, enjoying the scenery and experiencing nature, which serves as the source of inspiration for my creation and writing.

An elegant life is the highest quality and most comfortable in Taiwan, depending on how individuals manage their lives. The people here are too happy; they know how to live and enjoy what they have. Beauty is in the present moment; cherishing and knowing blessings brings completeness and freedom. As it is, giving thanks to heaven and earth, cherishing my hometown, I feel the atmosphere, energy, and vibration of the land. Singing loudly to express my feelings, the hometown song—With My Love.