The Influence of Zen Buddhism on the Philosophy of Japanese Gardens
In the twelfth century, Zen Buddhism was introduced to Japan from China by Chinese monk Myoan Eisai. It grew and flourished, eventually becoming one of the most prominent branches of Buddhism in Japan. Zen Buddhism was largely influenced by Taoist principles before spreading to Japan. In Japan, it further developed and influenced various cultural forms, including the design and construction of architecture. Zen temples and monasteries in Japan are known for their simplicity and minimalist design. Zen gardens, with their carefully arranged rocks, sand, and vegetation, exemplify the Zen aesthetic of simplicity, tranquility, and harmony with nature. Drawing inspiration from Zen Buddhism and embracing the aesthetics of wabi-sabi, these Japanese dry gardens emerged as spiritual retreats and spaces for connecting with nature.
Zen Buddhism is grounded in principles of simplicity, mindfulness, and the appreciation of the present moment. Zen teachings direct insight into the nature of reality, which is often accomplished through meditation and contemplation. The practice of meditation is the primary means of achieving enlightenment for Zen Buddhists. Carefully curated landscapes and calm spaces, such as the Japanese dry gardens, provide an ideal setting for such spiritual and introspective practice. Usually, Japanese dry gardens feature a huge open courtyard paved with raked sand or gravel (Fig. 1). Rocks are essential elements in these gardens, placed strategically within the courtyard. While certain Zen gardens only consist of gravel and rocks, some might incorporate a small amount of moss or grass. The design deliberately reduces visual complexities, allowing visitors to focus their attention on the few remaining elements in the courtyard. The layout of the dry gardens also reinforces the boundaries of spaces, making the courtyard distant from visitors to avoid human interaction with the landscape. The paved courtyard of Zen gardens is inaccessible without an entrance to ensure that people cannot step on the sand and gravel ground. Instead, the designers have included a stone brick walkway around the courtyard so visitors could wander around its perimeter but not through it. Sometimes, a trench filled with pebbles between the courtyard and the walkway further isolates the courtyard from people. Besides, strictly controlling the number of people in the garden enhances its visual impact by creating a sense of emptiness. For instance, the space inside the teahouse is intentionally small to limit the number of occupants. The walkway encircling the courtyard is designed to be narrow, permitting only one person to pass at a time (Fig. 2). By avoiding unnecessary ornamentation and complexity, Japanese gardens encourage a sense of tranquility and serenity, so visitors can focus on the essential beauty of the landscape. During the experience of walking through a Zen garden, visitors are invited to observe the details of the garden, such as the texture of weathered stones and the effect of light and shadow. Through such mindful observation, visitors can cultivate a deeper sense of inner calm. Creating a calm and contemplative atmosphere, these gardens trigger an awareness of the present moment by letting visitors slow down, make connections with their surroundings, and fully immerse themselves in the present moment.
Japanese gardens emphasize the importance of harmony and balance. In Zen teachings, this harmony extends to the balance between dualities such as the concept of yin and yang, which originated in Chinese philosophy. Japanese gardens reflect this idea through their careful arrangement of elements such as water, rocks, and plants to create a sense of equilibrium and tranquility. The first level of harmony is achieved through the balance of form and emptiness. “Form” in Zen gardens are the tangible elements and decorations: rocks, gravel, sand, and plants that comprise the physical landscape. They are meticulously organized and curated to address aesthetic beauty and evoke human feelings. The sand and gravel paving the open courtyard often shimmers with a gentle white hue which creates a serene and solemn atmosphere. Although seeming to be placed randomly, the gray rocks could represent mountains and islands. Their arrangement follows complicated geometric laws and mathematical calculations so that visitors are not able to see all rocks from a single angle (Fig. 3). The forms in Japanese dry gardens are meant to underpin the human intention and craftsman skills involved in the creation process. On the contrary, “emptiness” is represented through the use of open space—the empty areas of raked gravel or sand that contrast with the solid forms of rocks and other elements. This interplay between form and emptiness inspires perception beyond the appearance of forms and stimulates reflection on the interconnection in all things. The harmony and balance rendered by Zen gardens are further consolidated through the equilibrium between movement and stillness. “Movement” is displayed through flowing water and swaying grasses. As the name suggests, Japanese dry gardens do not contain flowing water as part of their design but water features are incorporated in innovative ways to introduce dynamic elements. The gravel and sand are raked into patterns, such as waves and ripples, to symbolize the flow of water (Fig. 4). For gardens with plants, moss, and grass around the stones add more dynamism to the garden space when blown by the breeze. As visitors wander along the walkways around the courtyard, their movement also brings more energy into the landscape. In Zen gardens, “stillness” is inherent in their design. Elements such as rocks and pebbles generate a sense of permanence and stability. This conception of stillness is then highlighted by the empty open spaces that provide calmness and tranquility to the environment. Because of the special arrangement of rocks that offers people different scenery with every step they take, Zen gardens encourage concentrated observation, inviting visitors to embrace the stillness of the present experience. So they can pause, reflect, and meditate at any moment. Movement and stillness should not be considered as opposing forces but rather as complementary aspects of a harmonious Japanese dry garden. The balance of movement and stillness adds to the picturesque quality of the landscape, making it almost like a Japanese ink painting.
Zen gardens are also manifestations of the wabi-sabi philosophy that is deeply rooted in Japanese culture. Strongly influenced by Zen Buddhism, wabi-sabi advocates the beauty of imperfection, unpretentiousness, and simplicity which align closely with Zen teachings. Japanese gardens embrace rustic and naturalistic elements in their design, recognizing the beauty in asymmetry and decay. None of the rocks adorning the courtyard is in the perfect state but is weathered, characterized by rugged surfaces and cracks. The moss covering the rocks and the earth is not meant to be removed but to remain in its natural form. The asymmetrical compositions created by the arrangement of rocks and the patterns of raked gravel and sand again proves the designers’ eschew of perfection. These elements are valued for their unique features and the stories they tell of the gardens’ history and evolution. They showcase imperfection and the passage of time which are important parts of the wabi-sabi aesthetics. Designed to harmonize with their surroundings, Zen gardens represent the deep connection between human beings and the natural world that is emphasized in wabi-sabi. They often incorporate plants, natural materials, and crafted landscapes that simulate natural sceneries such as mountains, waterfalls, and forests. By blurring the boundaries between human-made and natural elements, these dry gardens guide visitors into an immersive experience within the environment. Moreover, the adoption of wabi-sabi aesthetics stimulates the appreciation of transience. The change of seasons in a year—the blooming blossoms in spring and the yellow leaves in autumn—can be witnessed within the garden space. The raked gravel ground records the passage of time as its patterns would be smoothed and reshaped over time. These seasonal changes remind visitors of the fleeting beauty of life and the importance of embracing each moment with gratitude. As embodiments of wabi-sabi principles, Japanese gardens provide a sanctuary for appreciating beauty in life and connecting with the natural world.
The long-lasting influence of Zen Buddhism on the philosophy of Japanese gardens is undeniable, shaping not only their physical design but also the deeper meanings they convey. Through the emphasis of Zen teachings on mindfulness, simplicity, and harmony with nature, Japanese gardens have become spaces for contemplation and reflection. These gardens invite visitors to connect with the natural world, embrace imperfection, and find beauty in the ephemeral moments in life. Serve as symbols of Japanese culture and spirituality, Zen gardens continue to inspire appreciation for the interconnection among all things. The influence of Zen Buddhism and wabi-sabi aesthetics on Japanese dry gardens has surpassed mere aesthetic significance, offering insights into the human experience and our relationship with the world around us.
