Zen garden stones8/8/2023 ![]() ![]() Each of these principles has since become part of the Asian mindset in general, including Zen Buddhism. “Yin” and “yang”…the polarities of the universe, arose from Taoism, an ancient religion. Noteworthy, too, is that the Zen garden reconciles the two cosmic principles, “yin” and “yang”. It stands between the commemorative stones symbolizing the past…and as you look further out, the power of the future is symbolized by the river of stones flowing from the mountain. The stone near the center of the garden also represents the power of the present…the invincible now. In this respect, the Zen garden is different from the western tradition that puts more emphasis on symmetry and balance. In the Zen garden, enlightenment is coming to understand that the center is everywhere, the circumference nowhere…a property shared by the smallest grain of sand and the largest stone. Note that, while this stone is near the centre of the garden, it is not at the center as such. Although each of these souls is now gone, they are nonetheless rescued by the power of memory, and brought to live again in the precinct of the garden.Ī little farther out, you can see a large single stone near the center of the garden. As you sit, slowly become aware of the growing calm, and let your eyes move gradually across the stones.Ĭlosest to you…to your immediate left, is a small collection of vertical stones commemorative stones for loved ones. This particular Zen garden, like all Zen gardens, is meant to be viewed from a seated position at a single vantage point hence, the stone chair you are sitting on now. By breaking bonds with the work-a-day world, the garden established its own time and space…placing the monk in a staging area for the enlightenment to come. The gentle use of the rake and its flowing motion encouraged the practice of mindfulness…an important milestone on the road to enlightenment. In ancient times, monks raked the gravel in the garden into linear patterns representing waves of rippling water. Even so, it is rich with spirit and life! Indeed, caring for the garden is a contemplative technique in Japanese Buddhism or Zen- the goal of which is “satori”, or perfect enlightenment. ![]() 4.This garden is like no other it is typically a dry landscape void of water. Take a look at our guide on the best flowering trees for some of our favorite picks. ![]() As Lara says, '.a tree like a flowering cherry (Prunus) would be perfect for contemplating each of the four seasons: the stark, bare branches in winter the beautiful blossoms in spring the fresh green (or purple or burgundy or bronze) leaves in summer, and finally, the splendor of orange autumn leaves.' 'The placement of the dry river is important – it must be arranged to run from east to south to west, as this is the traditional Japanese positioning,' she adds.Ī blossom tree is always a welcome addition to any garden, but works especially well in plots that are Japanese-inspired. 'These are known as dry rivers,' says Garden Designer Lara Gochin Raffaelli of Enchanted Gardens. However, you don't have to have water to justify a bridge – symbolic features are commonplace in Zen gardens, so finely raked gravel, dry sand, or a pool of pebbles can be used to represent the flow of water instead. If you have a pond or even a small stream, a simple wooden structure like the one above is a lovely architectural feature. This isn't just because of their aesthetic value – bridges can also represent a journey of transition and encourage feelings of reflection. (Image credit: Digital-Fotofusion Gallery/Alamy Stock Photo/Alamy)īridges are a well-known addition to Japanese-style gardens, and work well in Zen gardens too. ![]()
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