The Zen-style Garden The sand and stone zen gardens are meant to be seen and contemplated from a single stationary point - a place to meditate and be meditated upon. These gardens were introduced in Japan by Buddhist monks in the 11th century, using mainly rocks and sand, with vegetation such as slow-growing evergreen bushes or moss. Without trees or flowers, the beauty of Zen rock gardens is replicated throughout the western world in private gardens, museum courtyards and offices.

Ode to the Dry Landscape (Kasenzui no in) - "Without a speck of dust's being raised, the mountains tower up; without a single drop's falling, the streams plunge into the valley." (Poem by Muso Soseki, Zen Monk, 1275 - 1351)

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Elegant backdrop of chequered blue and gold set off this Zen abstract composition. Mythical mountain islands sit in a "sea" of raked sand.	The rocks represent mountain peaks breaking through a sea of clouds, evoking an atmosphere of stability and calm.
Clacking bamboo deer chaser "shishi-odoshi" placed in front of "mountain" boulder. Surrounding moss and rocks are symbols of eternity	Exhibit for Garden Expo. Tatami meditation seat beside zen garden. Combination of plants and rocks emphasize the yin-yang duality

CONTINUE to Stroll Gardens

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