An appreciation of the natural world is deeply embedded in Japanese religion, especially in Buddhism and Taoism. Japanese gardens often consist of minimalistic elements to provide peace to the guests of the garden.
Do you crave peace and tranquility?
Do you enjoy nature and simplicity?
Japanese gardens provide an opportunity to feel nature, and they are often packed with symbolism and meanings that go beyond simple aesthetics.
Continue on to learn more!
How are Japanese Gardens Rooted in Religion?
The expanse of gardening in Japan is vast.
Some gardens belong to affluent people and are several acres in size and well-maintained.
Others are small parcels of land meant to be viewed from one vantage point while you enjoy a cup of tea.
No matter the size of the garden, the extreme reverence for nature is rooted in Japanese religions.
Buddhism and Taoism inspired Japanese gardens, such as those with koi ponds and Japanese Zen gardens.
Water, mountains, and rocks are all found in Japanese gardens, which represent mountains and islands of the Immortals.
The Eight Immortals is mythology that can be traced to China. They all live in East Asia on a group of islands with many mountains.
The Shinto religion of Japan sees gods in nature such as animals, mountains, rocks, trees, and water. Buddhism, the other major religion of Japan uses nature as a means of meditation.
A guided tour of different kinds of Japanese gardens is a wonderful way to learn about Japanese religion and philosophy that have symbols in the gardens.
How Does Minimalism Play a Part In Japanese Gardens?
Kazuyuki Ishihara is a highly decorated garden designer based out of Japan where he has won several awards for his design work.
He states that minimalism is the most powerful feature of Japanese gardens.
Even when there are tiny gardens in Japan they can still be experienced, as they are thoughtfully designed to provoke a desired mood.
This notion of minimalism in gardens is consistent with Japanese life overall, as can now be seen with the rise of Marie Kondo worldwide.
How Do the Native Flora of Japan Affect Japanese Gardens?
In general, the colors of the native plants found in Japan are much more subtle.
Japanese gardens are usually made up of plants that don’t flower.
Because of the heat and humidity of the summer months,
moss is especially popular as it grows very well.
This is in stark contrast to some American and European gardens, which often focus on bright color.
Subtle palettes in Japanese gardens call forth peace and reflection.
What is Ziran?
The objective of the Japanese garden is to create an illusion of the natural world. Ziran is Chinese for “naturally; freely; of itself.” This is the essence of Japanese gardens. This idea was introduced into Japan from China by traders.
Ziran, meaning “natural; freely; of itself,” leads to the Japanese garden being an idealized scene or microcosm of the natural world.
These gardens create an impression of entering a perfectly natural scene.
Because of this, Japanese gardens can be large or small.
Even a small garden can repeat natural elements and give an impression of the natural scene.
How Do Symbols Play a Role in Japanese Gardens?
The islands of Honshu are where the first Japanese garden came from, therefore in most gardens, natural elements from Honshu are represented:
- Rocks represent mountains;
- Cascades are mountain streams;
- And, ponds are lakes;
In all Japanese gardens, there is usually at least one island. This island typically represents the island where the Eight Immortals dwell. Bridges represent a gateway to eternity and paradise.
Zen gardens are typically represented with rippled sand instead of water.
Water is important when cultivating a Japanese garden because it represents life and fluidity, as well as being sacred.
Because Japan is an island, it relies heavily on the ocean for food and commerce.
What Are Some Practical Elements of Japanese Gardens?
The stone lantern, originally from Buddhist temples, then became used as lights for paths in tea gardens, but now serves decorative purposes.
The next element is the tsukubai, or stone water basin. These were originally used by visitors at the garden to wash their hands and mouths before tea ceremonies.
The basin would be low to the ground, so the person would have to bow down in order to drink from it.
This was done in the spirit of humbling as part of the ceremony.
What Is the Sakuteiki?
The Sakuteiki is the earliest recorded document on garden design, from the eleventh century, which translates into “Records of Garden Making.”
This text has no illustrations and is a record of the gardening styles of the Heian period, which were all oral traditions.
It notes five kinds of gardening:
- Ocean Style
- Mountain Torrent Style
- Broad River Style
- Wetland Style
- Reed Style
What are Karesansui?
Karesansui, or dry gardens, are primarily recognized for use of raked gravel. Karesansui gardens a traditionally connected to Zen Buddhism.
Some gardens are created with only of rocks while others use white rocks, sand, and greenery to create contrast.
The patterns created in the sand that show the waves of water is called samon.
To influence even more of a water feeling, some gardens will use bridges above the sand.
Final Thoughts
Japanese gardens are facilities for contemplation.
While this can be a dry garden, or a garden brimming with moss and water, all Japanese gardens contribute to a sense of calm and stillness.
Japanese gardens carry meanings and symbolisms for many elements (e.g., islands mean where the Eight Immortals are).
Japanese gardens have quite a history.
Its roots were brought over by Chinese merchants and traders, and the Japanese people have always made it their own.
There are no other gardens like Japanese gardens.
Whether you visit or have a Japanese garden yourself, it will bring a certain kind of peace.