Concrete Fountains May Be Added To Zen Gardens

A Zen garden is basically a sand garden with rocks,Zen Garden Principles and Practices
gravel and occasionally other natural elements such asA symbolic river (and boulders) made from sand
grasses. They usually do not feature concrete watersuggests rivers and mountains as a place to create a
fountains or anything that is manmade. Although thatquiet place for contemplation. A concrete water
is not to say concrete fountains can't be added forvessel spilling out water may be used to create this
additional impact. A Zen garden is a place to sit andillusion.
unwind or to meditate.Zen gardens contain quiet minimalist features with
The most famous Zen garden is thecurving flowing lines and shapes with few visual
Ryōan-ji Temple located in Kyoto, Japan.distractions. They allow one to slow the pace, to
The monks of the temple maintain this ancient Zendiscard the day's chaos and to calm down. The space
garden. Concrete water fountains are not found here.becomes a sanctuary. There can be a focal point, a
The simple design is done in monochromatic shadessculpture or concrete water fountain that engages
of brown. The most interesting feature of this Zenthe mind and eyes, which in turn releases the day's
garden are the 15 rocks arranged on the surface oftension. This is a Zen meditation technique in action.
white pebbles in such a manner that visitors can seeThe feng shui principles also advocate gently flowing
only 14 of them at once, from whichever angle thepaths around and through the garden, with no dead
garden is viewed. According to legend, only whenends or right angles. Simplicity and harmony are the
someone attains spiritual enlightenment as a result ofbasic design elements especially in the concrete
deep Zen meditation can he see the last invisiblewater fountains. To learn more about fung shui
stone with his mind's eye. To find unique andgarden design with the incorporations of fountains
distinctive concrete water fountains visitvisit
The Simplicity of a Zen GardenTaking a Zen Garden One Step Further
The main elements of a Zen garden are always rocksBy observing nature you can replicate it even with
and sand, with the sea symbolized not by water butconcrete water fountains. The addition of a water
by sand raked in patterns that suggest rippling water.feature heightens its restful quality. The flow and
Plants are much less important (and sometimesmurmur of water are known to calm and inspire and
nonexistent) in many Zen gardens. Zen gardens arehave been used that way for thousands of years.
often, but not always, meant to be viewed from aProperly designed water features, with plants, frogs,
single, seated perspective, and the rocks are oftenfish, and continually moving water won't be a
associated with and named after various Chinesemosquito-breeding ground. A garden's pond-less
mountains. Some Zen gardens employ awaterfall with moving water provides all the benefits
concrete-water-way or a small concrete waterof water without large tracts of land, making it ideal
fountain for additional tranquility.for city dwellers. And it is important (that the garden)
With this type of design, less is more, and it'sis harmonious with the neighbors as well as yourself.
essential to keep it simple - even the concrete waterRegardless of the type of Zen garden chosen, all the
fountains should have simple lines. Creating calming,elements that go into making it - color, plants, hard
restful, and soulful Zen gardens is a way ofstructures, the concrete water garden and
introducing nature into our lives and can help balanceornaments - need to blend comfortably to form a
our hectic urban existence. For more ideas onpeaceful garden that delights the physical senses with
beautiful concrete water fountains check outthe sound, smell, and sight.