Zen Gardens Essay - 1489 Words

Zen Gardens Zen Buddhism began to show up in Japan during the eighth century. It went through various periods of popularity and disregard, but constituted one of the most important influences on Japanese culture. All Buddhist temples include gardens. The first temple gardens evolved from well-groomed landscaping around Shinto shrines. Later, the gates and grounds surrounding Buddhist temples began to use gardens to beautify the temple, similar to the Heian mansion gardens. Jodo Buddhism (Pure Land) used temple gardens as a way to symbolize the pure land created by Amida Buddha to aid suffering souls in pursuit of enlightenment. These Zen gardens were meant to encompass the nature of the universe. The garden†¦show more content†¦Fishing on small boats to catch fish in their ponds was one popular activity. Poetry reading and writing was also essential. According to Feng shui, all structures have to be laid out carefully along compass lines and in certain configurations to allow ki (Chinese chi), the mystic energy of life to flow properly. A reduced ki flow in a home was thought to cause sickness and disharmony. For example, the builders, after consulting with a Yin-yang diviner, would usually create special arrangements to prevent bad ki from entering the home from the northwest. In the first Japanese garden design manual, the Sakuteiki, it is explained how water courses should flow from the northwest to the southeast so that any bad ki could be cleansed by the protective deity of the east Kamogawa (blue dragon), then proceed west again passing under a veranda of the house so as to draw away any evil spirits that might have somehow slipped into the house. Heavy stones were thought to serve as gates or landing points for spirits and were thus placed very carefully. Other design rules applied as well. Influenced by esoteric Buddhis m, the garden design was expected to include an island in a pond connected to the mainland by a bridge. This represented the world of enlightenment separated from the world of man. The bridges were frequently arched and coated with bright red lacquer (another Chinese influence). The Heian noblesShow MoreRelatedThe Culture Of Japan And Japan1187 Words   |  5 PagesJapan has been one of the very few countries in the world that is influenced from Zen Buddhist and Shino ideas. This culture is very distinct and also carries specific traditions and consists of living life a different way from other religions around the world. In addition, Japan has been known for their amazing work in architecture which is said to have been guided by Chinese architecture in the past. 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