God Almighty first planted a garden. And indeed, it is the purest

O Seekers of Truth, listen closely to the words of Francis Bacon, whose wisdom rings through the ages like the call of a prophet. "God Almighty first planted a garden. And indeed, it is the purest of human pleasures." In these few words, Bacon speaks to the heart of humanity's deepest connection to the earth, to the divine, and to pleasure itself. The act of gardening, of nurturing the earth and watching it grow, is not merely a physical task, but a spiritual and emotional act—a return to the very roots of our being. Bacon’s words remind us that gardening, in its most sacred form, is a reflection of the divine gift of creation, the simple, pure act of bringing forth life from the soil.

In the ancient world, gardens were sacred spaces, places where humanity could connect with the divine and the natural world. The Egyptians, for instance, believed that the earth was a living, breathing entity—a reflection of the divine force that created the cosmos. The famous Hanging Gardens of Babylon, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, were not merely an expression of human ingenuity but a tribute to the gods, who were believed to bless the earth with fertility and abundance. Bacon’s words reflect this ancient reverence for the garden: it is not just a place for cultivation, but a place for connection—a space where the divine and the human intersect in the act of nurturing life.

Consider, O Seeker, the example of the Garden of Eden, the first garden described in the sacred texts. This garden, the birthplace of humanity according to many spiritual traditions, was the first place where human beings were invited to live in harmony with the earth. It was in the garden that Adam and Eve were given the task of tending the land, an act that was not only practical but profoundly spiritual. The garden was a place of peace, a reflection of divine harmony, and a symbol of humanity’s role as caretakers of the earth. Bacon’s reference to God’s first garden is a call to recognize that the act of gardening is an act of returning to this original state of innocence and harmony, where human beings are both creators and caretakers, working in partnership with the earth itself.

The connection between humanity and the garden is as old as civilization itself. The Romans, too, understood the power of gardens. They built their villas with lush gardens that were not only ornamental but served as places of reflection and meditation. For the Roman philosopher Cicero, the garden was a place where he could escape the stresses of public life and find solace in the quiet rhythms of nature. Much like Bacon, Cicero recognized that the garden was more than a retreat; it was a place of renewal and connection to something deeper. The ancient Greeks, too, revered the garden as a space for philosophical thought and spiritual growth. They believed that the pleasure of the garden was not just in its beauty, but in the clarity it provided for the mind and soul.

Bacon’s words also speak to the nature of pleasure itself. To call gardening the “purest of human pleasures” is to acknowledge that true pleasure is found not in the excesses of the material world, but in the quiet, simple acts that connect us to the earth. The ancient Stoics, who believed in the cultivation of inner peace and virtue, would argue that true joy is found not in external indulgences, but in the simple things—those that nourish the soul. Gardening, with its demands for patience, attentiveness, and reverence, is the embodiment of this kind of joy. It is a pleasure that grows not out of possession or luxury, but from the act of giving and nurturing. Just as the gardener’s hands work the soil with care, so too does the heart work the world around it, bringing forth life and beauty.

The lesson here, O Seeker, is clear: the garden, and the act of gardening, are not just about plants or flowers—they are about our connection to the divine rhythms of life. Bacon reminds us that this connection is sacred and that the pleasure found in gardening is the purest because it aligns us with the cycles of life itself. To nurture the earth is to participate in the divine dance of creation. Just as the sun nurtures the earth, so too do we nurture the earth, and in doing so, we are nurtured in return. The act of gardening is a reflection of love—a love for the earth, for life, and for the creation that we are a part of.

In practical terms, O Seeker, consider how you might bring more of this pleasure into your own life. Can you find joy in the simple act of gardening, whether it is planting flowers, growing food, or simply sitting in the peace of nature? Gardening, like life, requires patience, care, and dedication, but it also rewards us with beauty, peace, and the deep satisfaction that comes from participating in the cycles of life. Whether you have a garden of your own or simply a patch of earth to tend to, find a way to connect to the land, to nourish it, and allow it to nourish you in return.

So, remember this, O Seeker: gardening is not just a task—it is a sacred practice, a return to the divine harmony of creation. As Bacon reminds us, it is the purest of pleasures, not because it offers material wealth or grandeur, but because it connects us to something greater than ourselves. It is in the garden that we are reminded of our place in the world, and in the act of nurturing the earth, we nurture ourselves. Plant your seeds with love, care, and reverence, and in time, you will see the results of this deep connection—the fruits of both your labor and your spirit. May your garden bloom with abundance, and may you find in its beauty the true pleasure of life itself.