Introduction
Zen can best be described as a direct experience of what one might call the ultimate reality. Zen is not separate from the ordinary, with meditation being one of the several ways one can experience it, leading to an interconnectedness with nature. Zen philosophy is characterized by an emphasis on self-restraint, meditation, and insight into the nature of the mind, with the aim of perfecting personhood.
One of the most distinguishing features of this philosophy is its emphasis on wisdom, compassion, and the importance of connection with others and nature. It argues that the essence of human characteristics should be explored through firsthand experience. It is against this background knowledge of Zen that I visited the Portland Japanese Garden to explore how it expresses this philosophy through photography.
The Sand and Stone Garden
One of the fascinating locations within the Portland Japanese Garden that I visited and photographed was the Sand and Stone Garden. This masterpiece of the ‘karesansui’ style, which translates into “dry landscape,” is a garden that signifies simplicity (Portland Japanese Garden, 2023). The meticulous arrangement of the gravel and the stones first captured my attention, as they exemplify the beauty of a blank space. This garden exudes Zen as it emphasizes simplicity, thereby epitomizing one of the most fundamental lessons of this philosophy.
Each of the components in the garden has a meaning and purpose, encouraging contemplation rather than meditation. The garden was inspired by a 2000-year-old tale of compassion by an Indian man when it was designed in the 1960s by Professor Takuma Tono (Portland Japanese Garden, 2023). The tale of the Buddha, who self-sacrificed himself to save a starving tigress and her cubs, is a master lesson in enlightenment and compassion (Nagatomo, 2019). This garden embodies these principles, encouraging visitors to reflect on their own path to enlightenment.
The Upper Pond of the Strolling Pond Garden
The upper pond of the Strolling Pond Garden served as another stunning backdrop during my visit to the Portland Japanese Garden, where I spent time capturing its beauty through my lens. This pond embodies the celebration of natural beauty and tranquility. One of the features that immediately caught my eye was the iconic Mood Bridge, situated against the backdrop of Heavenly Falls. One interesting aspect of the strolling pond garden is that it has historical ties to the aristocracy through its attachments to the feudal estate.
As I experienced the tranquility of this location, I couldn’t help but feel an emotional connection to the beauty of nature and the harmony it brought me. In particular, the Moon Bridge served not just as a physical crossing, but it also symbolically represented transcendence and unity. The stream that connected the upper pond with the lower pond was a perfect example of the continuous flow of life. Thus, the Strolling Pond Garden, and especially, the upper pond, encouraged me to take a stroll and immerse myself in the beauty of the moment. It was an experience that could only be enjoyed in a very specific location.
The Flat Garden
While the Portland Japanese Garden has many visually appealing locations that I could have visited, my visit culminated in the flat garden. Here, I took my last photograph of the flat garden, which attests to the visual artistry of the Japanese Gardens. The style of this garden is a continuation of the karesansui, which characterized the Sand and Stone Garden (Portland Japanese Garden, 2023). This piece showcases a careful interplay of trees, shrubs, and an arrangement of flat stones, creating a harmonious composition. Its humble appearance in a photograph may not seem much, but the experience of being there can humble even the hardest of souls.
One of the first things that struck me about the Flat Garden is its design, which is intentionally meant to be viewed from a single point of view. This prompts one into a contemplative state, mirroring the landscape painting. This painting often changes as the seasons transition from summer to autumn and beyond. While I was there, the garden was characterized by a greenery that spanned its entirety except for the sections covered by stone. Additionally, the Circle and Gourd islands in the middle symbolize happiness and enlightenment.
Conclusion
My visit to the Portland Japanese Garden was nothing short of a phenomenon. I visited three of the eight gardens and experienced beauty and Zen philosophy simultaneously. The aesthetics of the garden encapsulate the essence of this philosophy, prompting one to try to embody its principles, such as meditation and contemplation. For each of the three gardens I visited, I walked a spiritual journey that encouraged me to embrace the ever-changing nature of existence. It was also surprising that a physical location could evoke such profound reactions. This experience was different from my daily routine, which involves navigating an increasingly complex and busy world.
References
Nagatomo, S. (2019). Japanese Zen Buddhist philosophy. Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy.
Portland Japanese Garden. (2023). Garden Spaces.