The Shôkoku-ji monks have worked with nature to form a heightened beauty where man’s influence is almost indiscernible – careful placement and pruning of plants… everything feels somehow more precious and special. The sense of tradition is strong. Life here moves at a slower pace. The time frame for the growth of a tree, or the slow shaping of a rock by flowing water. It is almost the sense of being transported out of time. Thought is instant. Finding the thought could take an eternity. Strange mix of instant and infinite. Ancient but the idea behind it’s design doesn’t feel dated it is a timeless design.
The whole garden is like a piece of art, a massive painting that you can walk thought with perfect views in every direction.
The inclusion of the sand sculptural elements is something else – they symbolise contemplation, conceptual abstract thought. They are deliberate and mysterious. They have an artistic quality. They are questions not answers. The giant sand Mount Fuji is meant to be contemplated in moonlight. Beautifully gnarled trees are given crutches like beloved old family members.
Thought
Such perfection is not easily attained. It takes many generations and evolves slowly over time. Japan is one of the few places where this thoughtful and unhurried approach is still valued. Our guide in Tokyo later tells us of the recent surge of interest from Japanese youth in traditional craft forms.
No comments:
Post a Comment