枯山水

Japanese gardens are constructed with certain basic principles. Water, greenery, bridges, statues, lanterns sand and stone. Each of these things has strong meaning and connection to the Japanese people. It is all about constructing a certain vibe or feeling. I really enjoy the karesansui gardens. A karesansui or “dry landscape” garden consists of rock, stone and sand. These types of gardens are interesting because their focus is as much about what is in a space as what is not. This is called yohaku-no-bi, or “the beauty of blank space.” They are often referred to as Zen Gardens, likely because they tend to be a part of Zen monasteries.

As you take a seat on one of the stone benches surrounding the sand and stone garden in Portland, Oregon, your eyes immediately go to the nearly perfect raked lines in the fine stone and sand. Curving gently around rocks that symbolize mountains or bordering the garden in straight lines that mirror water, it is the negative or smooth spaces between the raked lines that seem to require quiet contemplation. This is a spot that fosters thought, reflection and a path for one’s day dreams or musings. These types of gardens have become so popular and relaxing that you can purchase small kits that are tiny versions of these gardens for your home or office. These kits include a flat tray, sand, some appropriately sized rocks and a tiny rake. People have found that making their own tiny Karesansui gardens brings on relaxation and help them find relief from the day’s pressures and stress.