Photo:Stock Photosfrom Valeria Cantone/ShutterstockThis post may contain affiliate links.
If you make a purchase, My Modern Met may earn an affiliate commission.
c’mon readour disclosurefor more info.
Photo:Stock Photosfrom Valeria Cantone/ShutterstockThis post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase, My Modern Met may earn an affiliate commission. Please readour disclosurefor more info.
Japanese rock gardensorZen gardensare one of the most recognizable aspects of Japanese culture.
No matter what the size, the purpose of the Zen garden remains the same.
Through its form, it allows viewers to clear their minds and move into a meditative state.
Photo:Stock Photosfrom Slavko Sereda/Shutterstock
While theyre highly recognizable, what is the purpose of a Japanese rock garden?
And how did Zen gardens come about?
The History of Zen Gardens
Japanese rock gardenscame about with the rise of Zen Buddhism.
Photo:Stock Photosfrom cowardlion/Shutterstock
The white sand doesnt only represent water, but also provides negative space in the composition and therefore emptiness.
Today its still possible to visit these places of quiet contemplation.
The garden is a 2,670-square-foot rectangle filled with white sand and 15 stones arranged in five groups of three.
Photo:Stock Photosfrom javarman/Shutterstock
In fact, Saiho-ji is sometimes called theMoss Temple.
However, this 14th-century garden didn’t always appear this way.
After the temple fell into disuse, the moss slowly crept over the rocks and gravel.
Photo: Ivanoff~commonswiki (CC BY-SA 3.0), viaWikimedia Commons
Daitoku-ji
This walled temple complex actually holds 22 sub-temples, many of which feature memorable Zen gardens.
In particular, the rock garden atDaisen-inis heralded for its beautiful arrangement.
Scholars believe that it may be a metaphor for a journey through life.
Photo: Ivanoff~commonswiki (CC BY-SA 3.0), viaWikimedia Commons
A highlight is the temple’s raked sand gardens and cones, one of which is 6.5 feet tall.
This cone, in particular, is thought to symbolize Mount Fuji.
Want your own zen garden?
Photo:Stock Photosfrom Thomas_HB/Shutterstock
Here are some miniature kits that help you feel zen at home.
MyZenHorizon| $19.99
Island Falls Home Store| $39.97+
Mellsva| $24.91
SandscapeDE| $49.81
ENSO SENSORY| $45.99
GeekTastic55| $31.45
Island Falls Home Store| $39.97
Kikiskistudio| $25.94
