Example Zen Gardens

Zen Gardens

Japanese gardens always have water – either a pond or a stream. In a dry rock garden water is represented by white sand. In Buddhist symbolism, water and stone are the Ying- Yang – two opposites that will complement and complete each other. Ponds may not have a symmetric shape. In a large garden two or more ponds may be interconnected by one or more channels or streams. Water can represent real or mythical bodies of water. Zen garden water areas provide a relaxing place for meditation – or a spot where friends and family can have quiet conversations.

The use of fish, particularly colored carp (nishike-goi), or goldfish as a decorative element in gardens was borrowed from the Chinese garden. Koi were developed from common carp in Japan in the 1820s.

The water fountain shown at left

features a unique grinding mill stone

and a small

pond that is home to a thriving

family of large goldfish.

Waterfalls are another key feature of Zen gardens. They are known to represent how the universe has an endless cycle – a universe that always changes and yet always stays the same.