The Japanese Zen Garden (karesansui) is a miniature landscape created from careful arrangements of:
- gravel or sand
- rocks, stones, pebbles etc
- moss, pruned trees and bushes
- other features
A zen garden is usually small and enclosed. They are meant to be seen while seated from a single viewpoint outside the garden. Zen gardens imitate the essence of nature and serve as an aid to meditation.
History
Zen gardens were first created in Buddhist temples in Japan 700 years ago (Muromachi Period). It was a period when Japanese culture flourished. Japanese zen gardens grew popular at the same time as the Japanese tea ceremony and Noh theatre.
Since then, there has been several different styles with ever greater abstraction. Today, Zen gardens are no longer confined to Japan. Many of us do not have the luxury of time and space to maintain a full scale Zen garden. However, we can have a slice of tranquility with mini Zen gardens that can be placed on a desk or table indoors.
Symbolism
White sand Or gravel
White sand or gravel symbolize purity, water, or, like the white space in Japanese paintings, emptiness and distance.
Zen monks rake sand or gravel into various patterns as a meditative practice, to improve their discipline and focus, and to create beauty. It takes discipline to make beautiful patterns and coming up with different variations of the lines is a creative challenge. As these patterns can be swept away easily, they are meant to reflect an imperfect, impermanent and incomplete beauty (wabi-sabi).
Rocks
The selection and placement of rocks is called “setting stones”. Rocks can be used to take on various meanings, such as mountains, islands, rivers, boats or living things.
In classical zen gardens, there are many considerations and rules for setting stones. When choosing stones, the color, shape, size and types of rocks are all consideration. When arranging stones, there are numerous rules and common arrangements. An example of a rule is that there should be more horizontal than vertical stones. An example of a common arrangement is a tall vertical rock flanked by two smaller rocks (representing Buddha and his attendants). Traditionally, one will also consider the color, shape, size and types of rocks.
Over time, the rules have evolved to take on more spontaneity.
Plants and other features
Pruned trees and shrubs are sometimes used instead of stones. Other features include stone lanterns, bridges and paths.
What a Zen Garden Means
Zen gardens may have symbolic meanings, such as an imperial court or a journey on the river of life. They can also be abstract puzzles or compositions.
No matter what it means, Zen gardens are always an oasis of calmness and serenity.
Get Your own Mini zen garden today
1. Zen rake
2. Zen sand pen
3. Zen sand brush
4. Incense burner (for incense cone)
5. Faux plant
6. Miniature fish
7. Miniature fish
8. Zen sand
9. River rocks (assorted)
10. River rocks (dark)
11. Solid wooden base with 3 compartments (8.5 x 7 in)
1. Stress relief & anxiety relief
2. Increase discipline, focus & mindfulness
3. Express creativity
4. Create beauty and serenity at home or in the office
5. Provide conversation and entertainment for clients or guests
It is also a therapeutic sand tray for kids or stressed or distracted adults.
– a zen rock garden or the Japanese zen garden,
– a fairy garden,
– a meditation garden or
– a thematic miniature garden
LOOKS PERFECT: On conference table, office table, art desk, in meeting rooms, schools, as desk toys, table décor
.Thoughtful gift for all occasions
Experience hours of delight with this lovely Japanese sand garden.
Entertain guests or clients with this desktop zen sand garden.
Improve your decor and fengshui.
ActiveBliss 
Hello! Are you the supplier of this product! It is unavailable on Amazon and I would be very interested in getting one or two of these!! 🙂
LikeLike