#Modern zen garden ideas Patch#
#Modern zen garden ideas series#

It goes without saying, perhaps, that every act of beholding-whether inspired by contemplation or sightseeing-adds new dimensions to the meaning of these gardens.Ī Quick Introduction to Zen Aesthetics Zen mountains and “waterfall” in the garden of Daisen-in.Īt the outset, I would propose that Zen, despite its fabled love of simplicity, is a very complex subject that encompasses a wide range of religious, philosophical, and cultural topics, of which stylized landscaping is only a part. This essay will examine the Zen garden in several selected meanings: as an artifact of landscaping, as an aid to Buddhist contemplation, and, finally, as a kind of historical “text” to be read by the beholder. Yet burdened as we are with the heavy baggage of language and history, we have to try to understand the elusive elements of Zen enlightenment with the expedient means of words in the pedestrian contexts of mundane reality. Since the moment the monk Mahākāsyapa received the first dharma transmission from the Buddha himself, marked by a silent smile in response to the beholding of a white flower, this progenitor of Zen and his successors have privileged the wordless experience of satori (enlightenment) over the dialectical understanding of its logic. This is only appropriate since the transmission of Zen wisdom is supposed to be nonverbal. The image of the Zen garden, however it is consumed, “speaks” for itself, and provides us with a representation of spiritual quality that is best experienced rather than discursively argued. It is the glossy photograph, perhaps-and not necessarily a color photograph-that best evokes the contemplative quality of the Zen garden.

Unless one has some pull with the monks and can visit the temple off-hours, to appreciate these gardens in the state of serene reflection that they are supposed to enhance is more or less impossible. While Zen gardens have been a fixture of Japanese aesthetics since the Muromachi Period (1336–1573), the purposes and meanings of these austere landscapes have been far less fixed, and indeed have changed somewhat since their first appearance as places for meditation in the Zen temples of medieval Japan.įor those of us who have been fortunate enough to visit such magnificent sites as Ryōanji or Tenryūji, the primary function of Zen gardens today seems to be to remind the busloads of tourists who visit these gardens how remote their hectic modern lives are from the tranquility that is promised- but not quite delivered-by the Zen temple environs. Re-envisioning Asia: Contestations and Struggles in the Visual Arts.Distinguished Service to the Association for Asian Studies Award.Distinguished Contributions to Asian Studies Award.Striving for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Asian Studies: Humanities Grants for Asian Studies Scholars.Gosling-Lim Postdoctoral Fellowship in Southeast Asian Studies.Cultivating the Humanities & Social Sciences Initiative Grants.

#Modern zen garden ideas series#

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Keep scrolling and you may even decide to assemble your own backyard pond, outdoor living wall or bubble fountain. You'll also discover tips for growing beautiful evergreen shrubs, trailing plants and the best trees for small yards.

#Modern zen garden ideas Patch#

For modern small spaces, you'll want to find affordable patio furniture (like bistro tables, stools, benches and hammocks) to elevate your backyard design.Ī few of the genius ideas: plant a tiny floral patch in the backyard, set up a DIY vertical garden, build a raised garden bed or hang fresh herbs from a wooden palette.

As you browse these inspiring and colorful outdoor photos, you'll find a ton of garden projects fit for balconies, courtyards, backyards and more. To prove that decorating a small landscape is easier than you may think, we've rounded up charming small garden ideas that you'll want to steal when spring rolls around.Įven in very small garden areas, a little creativity and a couple clever design hacks can go a long way.

There are a ton of affordable ways to reinvent your small outdoor space, whether you're hoping to grow fruits, vegetables and herbs, or stick with simple perennial flowers, bushes and ground cover plants. Being surrounded by fresh greenery and florals improves our physical, emotional and mental well-being - which means houseplants and outdoor gardens are the key to making your house feel like a home, both indoors and out.