Harmonious asymmetry is an element often expressed in Japanese Zen gardens. Research shows that the natural sounds of the meditation garden itself and the absence of man-made noises positively affect well-being by lowering stress levels, decreasing pain, and improving mood. That usually means no cell phones, tablets, or televisions. 7Īs a meditative space, the key elements of a meditation garden are simplicity and removing distractions. In one common practice within meditation gardens, people rake the sand in swirling patterns to relax or concentrate on the texture of the lines as a focus exercise. Using features such as sand, rocks, pebbles, and sometimes native plants, flowing water, or bridges, these gardens evoke feelings of peace, tranquility, and calmness. With much of the attention on effective meditation, Zen gardens were a sanctuary to help people calm, declutter, and focus their minds. The Iranian gardens were further refined after the introduction and influence of Islam from the 600s. Persians have cultivated formal gardens since the Achaemenid times (500–300 BC) and developed elaborate gardens according to the mandala design during the Sassanian era (AD 226–641). 5 These initial gardens typically featured an island within a pond-the pond represented the ocean and the island, Mount Horai of Chinese mythology (where elixirs of immortality were developed). This sect of Buddhism focused primarily on mindfulness rather than the meticulous study of scriptures or ritual worship. Meditation gardens, however, appear to have originated in 6th-century Japan during the reign of Empress Suiko as a component of Mahayana Buddhism. The exact origins of meditation are debated, but it has been part of Eastern societies for thousands of years as a spiritual practice. They aim to create places where meditators can experience a deep, mindful connection to their consciousness. Overall, the goal of such gardens is to offer a meditative space, an opportunity to pause, to find a sense of balance, to reduce emotional and physical stress, and to increase focus, relax, and cultivate a sense of peace. These gardens are believed to have therapeutic and healing properties. Zen gardens reflect Shinto ideas about harmony and respect for nature, and Iranian gardens are considered “the symbol of heaven on earth,” 2 invoking wonder and peacefulness. For example, Japanese Zen gardens bear some similarities to traditional Iranian gardens. Meditation gardens are a part of various cultures and are found in different regions of the world. In contrast, a small garden might contain only a winding path, a few polished rocks, a seating area such as a bench, baritone wind chimes, and sand in a small tray.
![glimpses of heaven glimpses of heaven](https://i.pinimg.com/736x/dd/b1/a2/ddb1a26edcce9a1ac86609f7ab0c5c16--lift.jpg)
Large gardens may feature more elaborate designs with trees, water elements, bridges, and wildlife. Meditation gardens vary greatly depending on their size and scale.
![glimpses of heaven glimpses of heaven](https://glimpseofheavenbook.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Sunrise-1024x872.jpg)
1 However, many types of gardens, including botanical gardens, can be a suitable place for someone to meditate.
![glimpses of heaven glimpses of heaven](https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/pRQAAOSwpiNZtQWO/s-l300.jpg)
![glimpses of heaven glimpses of heaven](https://www.bigthought.co.za/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/1000x750/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/a/-/a-en-ba-dv-001-h_mid.jpg)
Unlike a regular garden, which often includes play structures, brightly colored flowers, or vegetable beds, a meditation garden typically highlights soothing water features, winding paths, symbolic statues, and lush greenery while incorporating straight lines and minimalist design. These intimate, meditative spaces offer their users a place outside the noise and clutter of daily routines to unwind, reflect, and more naturally access their senses, intuition, and inner being. Shunmyo Masuno, a Zen Buddhist priest and a leading Japanese garden designer, shares that “the garden is a spiritual place where the mind dwells.” 1 Meditation gardens, or Zen gardens, are consciously designed environments intended to provide a welcoming, quiet, and calm retreat from the chaotic modern world.