The Importance of Zen Gardens

Significance

• The Zen garden holds extreme importance in Zen Buddhism, allowing followers of the religion an opportunity to experience the physical embodiment of the esoteric principles of Zen practice; namely self-examination, spiritual refinement and enlightenment. The simplicity of these gardens -- which include no ponds or streams and little, if any, vegetation -- is at the heart of Zen Buddhism.

Features

• The importance of simplicity is subtly touted within a Zen garden via the careful arrangement of austere, natural basics like rocks, gravel and sand. "So here a vision of profound stillness and serenity is conveyed with the barest of means," writes Simon P. James in his book "Zen Buddhism and Environmental Ethics."

Considerations

• The importance of earth and natural elements in a Zen garden is clearly understood. Sand represents water and the manner in which the sand is raked, in addition to the placement of every stone or rock, is intended to allow the visitor a different viewpoint or comprehension of the principles of Zen Buddhism.