Ryōan-ji: Japan's Most Renowned Rock Garden
Ryōan-ji: Japan's Most Renowned Rock Garden
Ryōan-ji, famous for its enigmatic rock garden, stands as a masterpiece of Japanese Zen aesthetics. The temple was established in 1450 on the site of a Heian-period Fujiwara villa by Hosokawa Katsumoto, later rebuilt after the Ōnin War in 1488. The origins of the garden remain debated, with possibilities ranging from Katsumoto to the Zen master Sōami.
The garden’s minimalist design features 15 stones arranged to challenge perception—you cannot see them all at once from the terrace. This timeless landscape symbolizes balance, void, and introspection.
eBook Highlights
- Historical Insights: From its Heian origins to modern-day reverence.
- The Rock Garden: Analysis of its design and philosophy.
- Exploring the Grounds: Sub-temples, ponds, and nearby landmarks.
- Practical Details: Access, nearby sites, and travel tips.
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This 15-page eBook includes 37 illustrations (6 MB) and is available in PDF.