![]() According to the Association for Asian Studies, rocks are considered the bones of the earth and are essential to the essence of nature and reality. Zen gardens originally consisted of dry landscapes where stones played a central role. This is why Zen gardens are often referred to as "dry" gardens, as they lack water features and usually have few plants. Instead of vibrant flowers and foliage, a Zen garden is a simple bed of raked gravel, punctuated by a few large rocks, and typically enclosed by shrubs. The root term from which "zen" is derived originally refers to a Sanskrit term that signifies "meditation." However, in Japanese, this type of garden is traditionally called karesansui, which is written as 枯山水 and translates to the characters for 'dry', 'mountain', and 'water'.Ī Zen garden is a minimalist dry landscape consisting of natural elements such as rock, gravel, sand, and wood, with minimal plant life and no water. The term karesansui is often translated into English as a Zen garden. In this article, we will delve into the history and significance of Zen gardens, and explore the essential elements that make them so distinctive and appealing. They are also a popular subject of study and inspiration for artists, designers, and architects worldwide. ![]() Zen gardens can be found all over Japan and are appreciated for their simplicity and serenity. (The Art of Zen Gardens: An Exploration of Simplicity and Serenity - dans le gris) The art of constructing a Zen garden is based on the principles of simplicity, harmony, and balance, resulting in a garden that emanates tranquility and inspiration. These gardens are carefully crafted to create a peaceful and meditative space for visitors to contemplate the natural beauty of rocks, sand, and gravel arranged in intricate patterns that evoke the grandeur of a landscape. The Buddha’s self-sacrifice to save starving creatures is a lesson in compassion on the path to attaining enlightenment.Japanese Zen gardens, also known as Karesansui, Japanese rock gardens, or dry landscape gardens, are a beautiful and unique form of traditional Japanese gardening that has captured the hearts and minds of people worldwide. The story is recorded on a painted panel in the Horyu-ji temple at Nara and other Buddhist artifacts depicting the Buddha facing the dilemma of saving a starving tigress and her cubs trapped in a ravine. Professor Tono was inspired by the Jataka Sutra, a 2,000 year old Indian tale about a previous incarnation of Buddha. Portland Japanese Garden’s Sand and Stone Garden was designed by Professor Takuma Tono in the 1960s when Zen Buddhism was little known or understood in this country. A bird’s-eye view of the Sand and Stone Garden. Care of the garden was part of the monk’s practice. ![]() Often attached to the abbot’s quarters, this style of garden was not meant for meditation, but for contemplation. ![]() In Japan, this style of garden is often part of a Zen monastery, such as the famous Ryoan-ji in Kyoto. While dry landscape gardens are sometimes referred to as Zen gardens, it is more accurate to refer to them as karesansui. Gardens of raked sand or gravel and stone are referred to as karesansui gardens which literally translates to “dry landscape.” This style was developed in Japan in the late Kamakura period (1185–1333) and an important Japanese aesthetic principle underlying these dry landscape gardens is yohaku-no-bi, meaning “the beauty of blank space.” Photo by Tyler Quinn
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |