| For a region that is predominantly Buddhist, Chan, or | | | | is not an even structure and nature is naturally uneven. |
| Zen, is an important philosophy. Zen is a term used for | | | | All gardens are meant to be massive landforms on a |
| a school that teaches the teachings of Buddha and | | | | much smaller scale. |
| how they are active in the natural world. Buddhism | | | | The materials used in the gardens represent different |
| was in China before the Zen teachings, and when the | | | | things. Of the objects used, rocks are the most |
| Indian prince Bodhidharma introduced the idea to the | | | | meaningful. Tall rocks are used to symbolize the sky |
| Buddhist in 526 A.D., they were amazed at his way of | | | | and wide flat rocks are used to symbolize the earth. |
| seeing the world for what it is. Zen took off after | | | | Some rocks are even used to represent animals or |
| Bodhidharma's ideas were spread. | | | | specific landforms. The sand spreads are the most |
| Schools of Zen teachings were a mix of the Daoism | | | | interesting part of Zen gardens; they are important |
| philosophy and Mahayana. These were very strict | | | | because they are meant to give a sense of emotion |
| schools that insisted on the idea that separate things | | | | while meditating. While many plants are used in the |
| exist only in relation to one another, which means | | | | gardens, floral fixtures are rarely found because they |
| nature cannot be defined or classified in any way. The | | | | are not naturally occurring. Not everything used is |
| goal of these Buddhist practicing Zen was to | | | | natural; pathways, bridges, a lanterns are frequently |
| accomplish the way of seeing the world as Buddha | | | | used to guide the visitor in the path that Buddha would |
| did, just as it is, with a mind that has no grasping | | | | take. They also are used to show Buddhist beliefs, |
| thoughts or feelings. Schools that teach Zen recognize | | | | such as, the Eight-Fold Path. Everything in a garden |
| the importance of the arts, such as: painting, calligraphy, | | | | has a purpose. |
| architecture, ceremonial tea drinking, and gardening. | | | | These beautiful gardens are now all over the Buddhist |
| Other areas of Buddhism, such as Japan, practice arts | | | | countries in Asia. What began in China is now |
| such as Jujitsu as an art as well. Of the Zen arts, | | | | celebrated more in Japan and Korea. Japan is home |
| gardening is one of the most important and interesting | | | | to the world's finest gardens, such as, Kyoto, Nijo, |
| forms of art. | | | | Katsura, Sento and numerous others. Over time, the |
| Gardening has been done in Zen for almost a | | | | gardens have stayed true to the basic style, the only |
| millennium. In the eleventh century, monks began | | | | exception is Japan, many of their gardens have a lot |
| creating these gardens as a tool to teach the principals | | | | of ponds and other water fixtures. The gardens, |
| of Zen and Buddhism to students. These gardens take | | | | though a big tourist attraction, are still used today. |
| careful consideration and care to make a peaceful | | | | Overall, the ultimate goal of Zen and Zen gardening is |
| environment for meditation. It takes a lot of labor to | | | | to show the world from the point of view that Buddha |
| keep them looking nice, but Buddhist think of it more of | | | | saw it. Because of this, they are some of the most |
| an opportunity to create than just a basic chore. The | | | | unique gardens in the world. They give monks a great |
| gardens have to be a perfect place to meditate. | | | | place to meditate and are fun to look at. Their |
| We know these gardens simply as the desktop sand | | | | popularity in Asia has brought them to the United |
| box with a rake, but there is a lot more to a Zen | | | | States. Americans use miniature dry rock gardens with |
| garden. Everything in a garden is there for a reason. | | | | sand and a rake as a relaxation devise. There are |
| Every single rock, plant, sand spread, water form, and | | | | even a couple of Zen gardens in the Chicago land |
| bridge serves a purpose for the garden. The number 3 | | | | area. They look simple and easy to make, but they are |
| has importance in Buddhism because of the Buddhist | | | | really complex and need a lot of care. If a leaf falls in |
| trinity and the sky, earth, and humanity. Odd numbers | | | | any design, it must be picked up, that's just how |
| are used because of the Buddhist belief that the earth | | | | meaningful and important Zen gardens are. |