Zen Gardens History

Classic Zen Garden

• Perhaps "minimalist" best describes the Zen garden landscape of rockery and white sand. The 15th century Temple of the Peaceful Dragon (Ryoan-ji) in Kyoto (see Resources), is a fine example of the classic Zen garden, where rocks represent mountains or other formations, and are surrounded by sand that is carefully raked to simulate the rhythmic motion of water and waves. A feeling of total serenity is the key to the Zen garden---a place to sit and meditate and to restore your spirits.

Nature as Inspiration

• A research team at Kyoto University apparently used computer models to try to ascertain the imagery emanating from the Zen garden at Ryoan-ji. They believed that if viewed from a specific angle, it could be the outline of a tree branching outwards. Zen Buddhists look to nature as inspiration, which is the basis of the Zen garden design. It is a Shinto belief that rocks are the dwelling places of divine spirits, so it is probably not coincidental that Zen gardens are built around rockery. A Zen monk, Muso Soseki (1275 to 1351) extolled the virtues of the Zen garden in poetry (see Resources).

Design Features

• It is said that classic Zen gardens should include a total of 15 rocks, clustered in five groups of three each, surrounded by sand or gravel, and enclosed within a formal edge of stone. Plants or flowers are not part of the traditional Zen garden, except for the occasional inclusion of moss or some other slow-growing greenery. The placement of the rocks is crucial in this design, as is the way that each rock is placed. Even rocks have their good and not-so-good sides, and this is a consideration when creating an authentic Zen garden. There is a definite parallel to the Chinese concept of feng shui, which suggests that correct placement of property and possessions can ensure a smooth, happy and successful path in life.

Stroll Gardens

• It is thought that the classic Zen garden takes its cue from the far less spartan stroll garden. As its name suggests, the stroll garden is meant for meandering. The traditional stroll garden is designed to enable serene walks, usually in a circular path, whereby the strollers encounter greenery, like bamboo and maple trees, and other symbols that evoke contemplation and quiet reflection. Stroll gardens also include water features such as ponds and waterfalls. A stroll is meant to clear the mind, and enable oneness with nature.

Indoor Zen Gardens

• The Zen garden concept, whether dry with rockery and sand, or wet to include water features and plants, is meant to have the same basic effect---to encourage quiet time, and to be a place for meditation and peaceful refuge. The concept is no longer exclusive to the outdoors. With some creativity, Zen gardens can also be built as indoor havens, transforming the energy of the space.

Miniature Zen Gardens

• For those who may wish they had the time to care for a Zen garden (and it does require some upkeep, particularly with regard to raking the sand, and ensuring that no weeds grow), there is a simpler alternative. Miniature zen gardens are available in the stores, or you can design your own with sand, pebbles, small rocks and a suitable container, like a flat, rectangular ceramic dish. They can be placed on coffee tables, or anywhere you prefer at home, and raking the sand in these cases is a much easier matter. If you don't have a miniature rake, a plastic fork works too.