Landscaping
1. Zen teachings The first factor was the spread of Zen thought throughout Japan. This school of Buddhism came to Japan from China, and became widespread from the Kamakura period to the Edo period (from the late 12th to early 16th centuries). The first fully-fledged stone garden was created in Kyoto’s Saihoji Zen temple by the famous gardener-monk, Muso Soseki. His work holds a very important place in the history of Japanese gardening. Muso was summoned to reconstruct the nearly forsaken Saihoji – formerly dedicated to another school of Buddhism, Pure Land Buddhism – as a Zen temple. The reconstruction entailed numerous changes, including modifications to the garden. Muso decided to create a stone garden as a place for monks to practice Zen. Rocks hold a special place in Zen thought as expressions of the force of nature, and one Zen practice involves the contemplation of rocks as a way of becoming aware of that which is invisible. 2. Bonkei and Sansuiga The second factor that led to the development of the modern-day stone garden was the influence of the bonkei and sansuiga art forms. Bonkei, or ‘tray scenery’, is the practice of arranging sand, stones and tiny plants on a tray to c...
Water patternsA sand pattern used to represent waves is called ‘samon’ (ripple patterns on the sand). This stems from the tradition during the Heian era (794–1192) of covering sacred spaces with white sand. Under the influence of bonkei, this sand came to be arranged in the form of waves to symbolise water.Various patterns of ripples are used to represent river or ocean waters. Even in the same ocean you might encounter both big waves and mere ripples on the water’s surface. Although the large stones are usually more eye-catching, you can entertain yourself by contemplating the sand patterns and trying to guess what kind of waters they represent.The patterns are usually drawn by a local priest using a rake or a broom. It’s said that Muso did not leave even a speck of dust in his own garden. He believed that the habit of sweeping a garden serves to cleanse the mind of worldly thoughts. Likewise, drawing ripples in the sand is useful for calming and purifying your mind.Want to know what to do in your own garden this month? Read this expert advice
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