Purple Magazine
— Purple #43 S/S 2025
The Tokyo Diary Issue
zen gardens
by TAKASHI HOMMA
Japanese Zen gardens, also known as dry gardens (karesansui), were originally created for temples and monasteries as spaces for contemplation and meditation. These gardens are characterized by their minimalist and symbolic design, often using carefully placed stones, gravel, and sand to represent natural landscapes such as mountains, rivers, or islands.
Thoughtfully arranged, the stones are seen as anchors of meaning, representing strength and permanence amidst the fluidity of life. Surrounding them, rippling patterns raked into the sand or gravel evoke the movement of water, waves, or invisible frequencies, suggesting the flow of time and the impermanence of existence.
Every element of a Zen garden is meticulously chosen and positioned to encourage stillness and a sense of harmony. The simplicity of the design invites the viewer to engage in a meditative state and enter a quiet space for introspection.
While deeply rooted in Buddhist traditions, these gardens transcend their spiritual origins. They have become a universal symbol of balance, serenity, and the beauty of nature’s forms, gravity, and cosmic forces.
