For these two men, bonsai is a lesson in slowing down

In the serene landscape of Malaysia, two men - Wong Wah Hung, 73, and Mahenthiran Natarajan, 37 - have found solace in the art of bonsai, a Japanese tradition of cultivating and shaping miniature trees in containers. Despite their age difference and demanding schedules, both men dedicate significant time to nurturing their collections of 60 plants and a personal tree, respectively.

For Wong, bonsai is a path to tranquility and patience, as forming and nurturing a tree requires slowing down amidst the noise of the outside world. Meanwhile, Mahenthiran finds the craft a valuable lesson in resilience, teaching him to bend and shape a branch gradually rather than forcing it.

Bonsai enthusiasts in Malaysia, including Wong and Mahenthiran, belong to the Malaysia Bonsai & Suiseki Society, a non-profit organization that contributes to the World Friendship Bonsai Federation. The society hosts the 10th World Bonsai Convention Malaysia, scheduled from August 28 to 31 at Pavilion Bukit Jalil in Kuala Lumpur, bringing together experts and enthusiasts for demonstrations, talks, exhibitions, and competitions.

For Mahenthiran, bonsai has become a lifelong passion, dating back to his school days, where he participated in gardening activities. He purchased his first bonsai at the age of 18, a tree that remains a cherished part of his collection today. He credits his membership in the society with providing him with valuable skills and free bonsai plants from other members.

On the other hand, Wong's journey with bonsai began in 2005 when he rescued a dead bonsai from the roadside. After removing the wires and replacing the dead tree with one given to him by his mother, he discovered that bonsai offered a new perspective on life's pace and the importance of patience.

Both men agree that bonsai is more than just a hobby; it is a 3D living art form that demands attention to the tree, pot, proportions, lines, and spaces. They also emphasize that bonsai does not have to be an expensive endeavor, pointing out that Malaysia is rich in local plant species like water jasmine and cucur atap, which are popular choices for bonsai enthusiasts.

As they continue to cultivate their trees, Wong and Mahenthiran have discovered that these living art forms teach them valuable life lessons, such as patience, resilience, and the ability to appreciate things over time. In a world that constantly demands speed and instant results, bonsai offers a unique perspective on the beauty of gradual growth and the importance of nurturing something with care and dedication.