Garden of Ryōan-ji
Ryoanji Garden is located in Japan on the northwest side of Kyoto. Stones of various sizes and shapes are placed on a site measuring 23 by 9 meters, covered with white gravel. Fifteen stones are collected in five groups, each of which is framed by moss. The gravel is divided by rake strips into thin furrows. The garden is surrounded on three sides by a small fence. Since the garden is part of the temple of the resting Dragon, you can only enter the garden by visiting the temple itself.
The garden was created in the fifteenth century by the Buddhist monk Soami so that the monks living in the temple could calmly meditate while looking at them.
Ryoanji Garden has several names – it is a philosophical garden, a symbolic garden or just a rock garden.
A garden has a hypnotic effect on a person. It is built in the style of minimalism, clarity and rigor. There is nothing in it that is amenable to time, does not grow, does not fade, the garden consists of eternal elements.
Ryoanji Rock Garden is a place that provides an opportunity to understand the secret, hidden from the eyes of mankind. It is believed that it is in the stones that all the information about the world is embedded, you just need to learn how to read it.
The local tranquility and harmony of the compositions encourage introspection, the opportunity to find concentration and inner harmony. Ryoanji Garden is visited by both pilgrims and tourists to look inside themselves, experiencing new sensations each time. In order to respect the Japanese for the unique creation, you can observe the local beauty only from the veranda of the temple.
Everyone who comes here tries to find a point from which all fifteen stones are visible. But the special accuracy of the constructions allows you to see only fourteen, one remains out of sight, this is the philosophy of knowledge – not everything remains known, there is a lot in the world of the incomprehensible and secret.
Ryoan-ji Garden is shrouded in mysteries and riddles, which are still being tried to solve through silent reflection. All the mysteries of the garden are associated with the secret smile of the Mona Lisa.
There is a vessel with water on the other side of the temple. The stone vessel is located on the ground, and in order to take the water, you will have to bend down. This is a kind of ritual, expressing one's reverence.
To enjoy the contemplation of the stones without being distracted by noise, and to try to understand the essence of the universe, it is better to come to this temple in the early morning or on weekdays.
