How to Make a Zen Garden
A Few Interesting Points about
Zen Gardens
Gardens technically are open areas, well maintained and
cultivated, but with Zen gardens, it is not as simple. Like the
various Japanese gardens, Zen gardens too carry with them, the
element of mystery. There is something about the historical
construct that is not very easily deciphered. Neither have there
been formal texts on the topic nor have we commonly heard of
debates or lectures on the subject. Information exchange has
been mysterious and the secret element has successfully added to
the appeal of Zen gardens. The below outlined details are thus
an attempt to unravel the mystery titled Zen gardens, to the
extent possible.
The Zen Garden Origin
"Zen gardens" - the two different words were first used together by
Loraine Kuck in her book ‘100 gardens of Kyoto’. That was 1953
and it is only after that, the literature with this terminology
can be found. Presently Japanese and Western writers have
accepted the terminology and are using the same to refer to the
Japanese Rock Gardens. But the process was not smooth, it is
believed that Zen monks were not very delighted with the idea
and in fact had criticized the link between those practicing Zen
and the luxurious gardens.
The Criticism
While one group thought that it is irrational to link anything
like a garden with Zen, another group was of the opinion that
nothing like Zen gardens exist. The followers of this ideology
suggest that temples have gardens, but calling them Zen gardens
is merely a bait to attract tourists and earn out of the
opportunity. These are basically
low maintenance gardens, which
can be easily constructed. Moreover, the temples anyways have
gardens for public access, so where does this idea of the
association between Zen philosophy and gardens crops up?
The critics are clear that Zen is a serious
religious stream, which has absolutely no connection with
gardens and thus the term Zen gardens is completely vague. If we
attempt a connection between the two, we must seriously
understand the implications. Zen aims at organizing emotions,
concealing and transmuting them to energy. The same essentially
requires rigorous discipline. However, the Japanese rock low
maintenance gardens, confused as Zen gardens, communicate and do
not attempt to conceal, which is in strike contrast to the Zen
ideology and thus negated.
Beyond the criticism
Well whatever be the rational behind such criticism, the fact is
that Zen gardens have been accepted by many as a form of
Japanese gardens. These are basically rock gardens, containing
rocks and sand, gravel and grass. These gardens do not really
emphasize upon plant cultivation and thus feature in the low
maintenance gardens category. If the idea enchants enough, you
can also create one of your own Zen gardens, on your office
table.
Start with the frame or mould that will contain the sand and
gravel; the available space should help decide the size. Wood
can be handy for the container part; for frame decoration, suit
yourself. Make sure that garden is clean, or else it would no
longer be considered a Zen garden, so plan for a weed retainer
right away. Once the sand and gravel have been levelled to form
the base, it is up to the visual theme. Rocks are to be used for
this purpose. While managing this part, do not just put
everything you can think of. Be careful with the selection and
keep the aesthetics simple. The garden is flexible and you can
experiment with the look, as often as desired. Trip to the Zen
gardens can also provide exciting ideas for your personal one.
