Garden of Ryōan-ji
The Ryōan-ji Garden is located in Japan on the northwestern side of Kyoto. On a site measuring 23 by 9 meters, covered with white gravel, stones of various sizes and shapes are placed. Fifteen stones are collected in five groups, each of which is framed by moss. Gravel is divided by stripes of rake into thin furrows. The garden is fenced on three sides with a small fence. Since the garden is part of the temple of the conquering Dragon, you can only get into the garden by visiting the temple itself.
The garden was created in the fifteenth century by Buddhist monk Soami so that the monks living in the temple could calmly meditate, looking at them.
The Ryoanji Garden has several names – it is a philosophical garden, a symbolic garden or just a stone garden.
The garden has a hypnotic effect on humans. It is built in the style of minimalism, clarity and rigor. There is nothing in it that gives in to time, does not grow, does not fade, the garden consists of eternal elements.
Ryoanji Stone Garden – a place that makes it possible 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 only need to learn how to read it.
The local tranquility and harmony of compositions have for self-deepening, the ability to gain concentration and inner harmony. The Ryoanji Garden is visited by both pilgrims and just tourists to look inside themselves, while experiencing new sensations each time. In order to carefully treat the Japanese to a unique creation, one can observe the local beauty only from the veranda of the temple.
Everyone who comes here is trying to find a point with which all fifteen stones are visible. But the special accuracy of the designs allows you to see only fourteen, one remains out of sight, this is the philosophy of cognition – not everything remains known, much in the world incomprehensible and secret.
The Ryan-Ji Garden is shrouded in secrets and mysteries that they still try to solve by silent thoughts. All the mysteries of the garden are associated with the secret smile of Mona Lisa.
On the other side of the temple there is a vessel with water. The stone vessel is located on the ground, and in order to take water, you will have to bend. This is a kind of ritual expressing respect.
To enjoy contemplating stones without being distracted by noise, and try to understand the essence of the universe, it is better to come to this temple in the early morning or on weekdays.
