The Rock Garden by sandra46
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No AI - This artwork was created entirely by hand or with traditional digital tools.
Description
I have always been fascinated by Buddhist thought and, in particular by its Japanese variant, Zen philosophy. It's interesting to see how the gorgeous, almost exaggerated exuberance of Indian Buddhism may be different from the highly abstract, extremely essential representations of Japanese Zen. Possibly nothing can explain what I mean better than the Rock garden of the Japanese section of the Botanical Gardens in Montreal. Unfortunately we didn't see the Chinese garden, to make a comparison, because at that time we were walking on our four paws, and in any case the guardians were threatening to use us as fodder for the carnivorous plants if we didn't go out at closing time immediately.
The Japanese rock gardens (karesansui) or dry landscape gardens, are often called Zen gardens because they were influenced mainly by Zen Buddhism. The dry garden appeared in the Muromachi period (1392-1568). Using neither ponds nor streams, it makes symbolic representations of natural landscapes using stone arrangements, white sand, moss and pruned trees. Karesansui gardens can be extremely abstract and represent miniature landscapes that are also mind-scapes. There is no water present, but gravel or sand, raked or not raked, that symbolizes sea, ocean, rivers or lakes. The act of raking the gravel into a pattern recalling waves or rippling water has an aesthetic function. Zen priests practice this raking also to help them focus their concentration. Stone arrangements and other miniature elements are used to represent mountains and natural water elements and scenes, islands, rivers and waterfalls. Stone and shaped shrubs are used interchangeably. Moss may be used to create the idea of a forest.
Thank you for your kind comments.
Comments (35)
I love Zen gardens! This is super Sandra and great info! The three stones for me represent the triology. These gardens are made all over the world with focused prayer in mind, not just for Buddahists but thats the origin...
beautiful & informative. Great shot.
Fantastic photo and information
Excellent zen garden! Great capture
Very peaceful and great narrative. Dana
Lovely capture Sandra and reminds me of one I visited in Guadalajara some time back
Wow...Fantastic capture, love this one! 10+FAV
FANTASTICA IMAGEN, ME ENCANTA.
Very interesting shot! Great capture!
a dynamic shot. I am also one who find Buddhism to be a peaceful path. Wonderful b/w that conveys the calm of Zen.
for me Poesie
Fantastic photo erland
Fantastic capture!!
I have always marveled at these gardens and wondered how you rake yourself out without leaving any traces of footsteps. Looking at this tonight also reminds me of Terragen digital landscapes and golf course bunkers. How's that for diverse thinking:-)
Splendid image!!
A peaceful image, I too was like Bill and before reading your narrative thought it was a terregen creation. You did give me a giggle just visualising you and Flavia being dragged out of the gardens by your feet clinging on to your camera's crying "just one more photo"!!!!
Excellent capture!!
Excellent shot, fantastic
Excellent tones and details!!!
Interesting! I couldn't help think what a mess my rushing pack of dogs would make!
great capture hope your enjoying your trip.
FANTASTIC comments and AWERSOME picture !!! GREAT! I read lao Tseu and I like his thoughts !!!
You did great pic!
fantastic image!!
fantastic photo!!!!! Great!!!
WOWWWWWWW superb image!!!
fabulous and very Zen love the B&W
Great find and shot, and perfect use of b/w!
Very nice shot. Great lighting and textures! Well done.
I love japanese gardens ! Wonderful capture ! And thanks for the explanations !