Shinto, meaning “Way of the Gods” in Chinese, was a religion that looked upon nature as a god(s), which is what led to the open worship of certain types of rocks and trees. Imoko who immersed himself in Chinese culture and upon his return to Japan brought all that he had learnt with him, including the art of gardening and Buddhism.ĭuring the Asuka period (estimated at 538-710 AD) a new philosophy and religion began to emerge, known as Shinto.

The Emperor’s overtures were enticing enough for the Japanese to send their own envoy to China – a man called Ono no Imoko. This imitation of imaginary places went on until the early 600s AD, when the first nature-inspired hill and pond garden was created in Japan by Chinese Emperor Yang Di, who enjoyed good relations with the country. However, the aspects represented in the gardens of the Han Dynasty period were based on imaginary places, godly realms and mythological landscapes. These particular islands were meant to represent the Isles of the Immortals or Taoist gods, a trend that would be replicated throughout the years. This garden depicted three small islands and it eventually became a custom to use rocks and greenery in order to form island-like motifs and mimic nature. The first Zen Garden was created by Chinese Emperor Wu Di, who lived from 140-87 BCE. This is why Japanese gardens exemplify a “lighter” version of Chinese ones and generally follow fewer aesthetic rules and design guidelines in the creation process. This recreation, which was more of a philosophy, was adopted by the Japanese and enhanced to their culture. These periods are:Īlthough the aspect of Zen Gardens is associated with Japan, it is historically accepted as being a tradition imported from China during what is known as the Han Dynasty (206 – 220 BCE). Inspired initially by Buddhism and Chinese culture, the word ZEN would be written on soil and sand, which is the root and inspiration of Zen Gardens.īut a Zen Gardenshould have more than one meaning for the viewer.Īs the Japanese say, “the mind is flexible if we practice flexibility”, thus each garden bears its own interpretation.īut before we elaborate on what a Zen Garden is, means and what comprises it, let’s first take a journey to the past and unearth the roots and derivation of these beautiful gardens.Įach period marks its own significant point in the rise, enhancement and adaptation of Zen Gardens in the Japanese culture. Zen Gardens are characterized as such because of the calmness they invoke, which is what makes them ideal for meditation, reflection and relaxation.

These picturesque gardens, ideal for meditating or simply viewing, are seen enwreathing most religious edifices in Japan, like the famous Buddhist temples in Kyoto. Whether you’re aware of what a Zen Garden is or not, you have most likely seen one – a tranquil harmonious place with rocks, sand or gravel and manicured plants and shrubs is probably the most renowned imagery of a Zen Garden. The author Russ Chard has written and published Japanese garden books, articles and videos for the past 10 years. Japanese Zen gardens are serene havens of tranquil beauty and the perfect antidote to a stressful world. With a little knowledge and following our step by step instructions with pictures you will discover how straight forward it is to build a Zen garden in your yard or garden. Of all the Japanese style gardens that you can create Zen gardens because of their apparent simplicity are becoming more and more popular around the world and building one is not as difficult as you may think. Japanese Zen gardens is a book that introduces the reader to the subject and presents the options available for anyone wishing to build their own garden space at home – however large or small. There are many styles and many ingredients, Stones, Rocks, Moss, Sand, Gravel, Plants and Shrubs,Lanterns and Ornaments. They are serene, calming and a perfect space in which to relax or meditate. ‘Karesansui’ or as we in the West call them ‘Zen gardens’ are beautiful Japanese gardens steeped in history, religious meaning and a visual simplicity that is so striking. If you have ever wondered ‘What is a Zen garden?’ then this new book will tell you everything that you want to know. Our book explains all about them, it is worth learning about them before you start creating one… These types of Japanese gardens are hugely popular to visit and many people see a dry landscape garden as a really good option for a Japanese style garden at home. Japanese Zen gardens or Japanese rock gardens as some people call them are actually in Japanese called ‘Karesansui’ translated into English this means ‘Dry Landscape’. Japanese Zen Gardens – A Calming Simplistic Spiritual Haven Of Beauty

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