Garden of stones in Japanese traditions in the country. Leonid Kaganov: diary Paths and bridges

Japanese city Kyoto famous not only for its temples and geishas, ​​but also for the unusual Ryoanji rock garden, which is considered the main attraction of the city. It is assumed that the creator of the Ryoanji garden, which means "temple of the peace-loving dragon", was the master Soami, who is the author of many gardens of the XIV century.

I got into the garden about a couple of hours before its closing, but still this time was quite enough to see everything here. This path leads to the rock garden.

We pass the Buddha statue. And then we climb the stairs that lead to the garden.

The main feature of the Ryoanji garden is composition of fifteen rough stones scattered randomly on the white sand. The originality of these seemingly completely ordinary and uninteresting stones lies in the fact that no matter from which side a person looks, he will see only fourteen of them. The fifteenth stone is always hiding behind some other.

The Ryoanji rock garden, as I mentioned, is covered with gray-white sand, surrounded by low walls, and there are no plants here at all. The fact is that this is one of the rare examples of an ancient garden, which has been preserved exactly in the form in which the master created it.

My first impression, which appeared from the contemplation of this creation, is monotonous colors and a minimum of items, in general, everything is quite ordinary and does not cause much admiration. But, even despite the presence of other tourists nearby, after some time in the state of mind, something imperceptibly began to change. There was peace, and there was a desire to prolong this state.

Looking at this gray sand, various pictures arise in the head: for example, the deep sea, where the stones are islands, and the moss around them are plants.

As stated in the guidebook, I, along with other people who came to the garden, could see only fourteen stones at a time. And, despite all my efforts, the fifteenth did not arise before my eyes - it is always blocked by one of the neighboring stones.

I move around the garden along the sandy edge, now I see the fifteenth stone, but another has disappeared).

Of course, a lot of questions arise: why do these seemingly ordinary stones have such an effect on people and what is in them? For almost five centuries, pilgrims and tourists from all over the world have come to the Ryoanji rock garden.

You can try to unravel the mysteries, as well as just admire the rock garden, while sitting on such a veranda.

When asked why there are exactly fifteen mysterious stones, the Japanese themselves answer this way: this number is a symbol of the full moon, after which the decay time begins. Perhaps that is why one of the stones is always beyond the line of visibility.

After looking at the stones and thinking a little about life, I decided take a walk in a beautiful Japanese park, which is visible behind the low hedge of the Ryoanji rock garden.

Installed in the shadow of the park ancient tsukubai, which is a round stone shell in the form of a Chinese coin. Tsukubai was once used for tea ceremonies, and now - for washing hands. Water enters the vessel through a bamboo tube.

The park has a large pond called Kyoyoti, which was founded in the XII century. I liked the small island on the pond - Bentendzima. The island is dedicated to the goddess Benten.

The pond is also chosen by Chinese ducks (mandarin ducks), who choose one single partner for life. That is why in Japan they are considered a symbol of fidelity, and this wonderful pond is very popular among young couples.

The park is very beautiful. Often on the way there were young girls in national Japanese clothes.

My impressions of the Ryoanji rock garden in Kyoto were extremely pleasant, despite the fact that the fifteenth stone was never seen).

Ryoanji Zen Temple - the name translates as Peace Dragon Temple - is located in the northwestern part of the city of Kyoto. It is owned by the Rinzai direction, which belongs to the Myoshinji school.

The 15 Rock Garden at Ryoanji Temple in Japan is the most famous rock garden in the world.

Ryoanji Zen Temple - the name translates as Peace Dragon Temple - is located in the northwestern part of the city of Kyoto. It is owned by the Rinzai direction, which belongs to the Myoshinji school.

During its long history, the site where Ryoanji is today has changed hands among samurai clans. The temple itself appeared in the 14th century at the behest of Hosokawa Hatsumoto, who bequeathed to build a Zen sanctuary here after his death. Today, Ryoanji houses seven tombs of Japanese emperors, which were restored in the 19th century after a period of neglect. Unfortunately, in the existing temple, almost nothing of the ancient buildings has been preserved, since the complex has repeatedly suffered from fires.

But the most important object that glorified the temple to the whole world is, of course, the rock garden. This place is best suited for meditation, which plays a large role in Zen practice. The man-made composition is minimalistic - only stones, moss and gravel, but at the same time full of deep symbolism.

The fact is that although there are 15 stones in the garden, but standing at any point on the veranda of the temple, you can observe only 14 of them - one of the stones is always hidden. Usually this is interpreted as follows - only when you reach the state of enlightenment, you can see all 15 stones. For example, all the stones will become visible at the same time if you soar up above the veranda. Among the many interpretations of the symbol of the inaccessibility of the 15th stone, there is one - it is impossible to know the whole world using only a scientific approach, but everything that is missing can be found in your soul. One may recall in this connection the words of the Buddhist monk Tessen Soki that in the rock garden one can find "the art of cutting thirty thousand miles to a distance of one foot."

Many who have visited the temple note the extraordinary state of harmony and peace that arises when observing the stones.

The dimensions of the rock garden are small - 30 by 10 meters. All stones are divided into five groups, which are separated from each other by green moss. The surface of the garden is covered with white gravel, which is divided into even strips with the help of a rake. Around the garden, where it does not adjoin the veranda, a low adobe fence has been erected.

Interestingly, it is still unknown who was the author of the rock garden itself, created in the 15th century. It remains a mystery what exactly the meaning was laid by the creator of this extraordinary work of art in his creation. Subsequently, many assumptions were made about this, for example, that the stones symbolize 5 arhats - the disciples of the Buddha (supposedly one of the 16 arhats was omitted so that the number of stones was odd). Someone sees in the stones a tigress with cubs crossing a stream - this is the plot of one ancient Chinese legend. To other people, stones appear as islands and rocks on a sea whose waves are formed by strips of white gravel. It is believed that the stones of the garden are frozen spirits.

An interesting version of the Japanese specialist Masao Hayavkawa, who believes that until the 17th century, the main object of contemplation and worship in the garden was the rare beauty of sakura, and the stones were just a background that was not paid much attention to. And only in the 20th century did people become interested in the stone miniature of the Ryoanji temple and look for its sacred meanings in the alternation of fullness and emptiness.

If you approach the veranda to contemplate the stones from the reverse side, you can see an unusual stone vessel into which water is constantly flowing, intended for ritual ablutions. This is Ryoanji tsukubai - its edge is almost flush with the ground, so to scoop up water, you need to bend down, thereby expressing your respect. Four hieroglyphs are carved on top of the stone, which can be read as "I only know a lot." It is believed that this saying is associated with the anti-materialistic essence of Buddhism, i.e. only knowledge matters. Or a more philosophical interpretation - "What everyone has is all they need."published

Perhaps one of the most important shrines of Zen Buddhism - Ryoanji Temple - was erected in 1450 and became a refuge for monks who adhered to Zen philosophy. Among his patrons were Tokugawa Ieyasu and Toyotomi Hideyoshi.

In the 18th century, the shrine was in decline, and most of the buildings were destroyed by fires. Today, the temple is famous for its Zen-style rock garden, which is one of the most famous and amazing sights in Japan. According to the surviving writings, the author of the garden is the famous author Soami.

Incomprehensibility of spiritual depths

The garden is made in the form of a small rectangular area, enclosed by an adobe fence on three sides. The whole area is covered with white gravel, and on it there are 15 stones, organized in five groups. The gravel itself is "scribbled" with a rake into thin strips, creating the feeling of soft water ripples.

The Ryoanji rock garden is part of the temple building, so you can only get to it through the temple premises, and you can enjoy this splendor while sitting on the veranda.

For everyone who contemplates this beauty, their own associations arise. For some, these are five mountain peaks soaring into the clouds, for others - islands in the vast expanses of the ocean ... In general, it all depends on your purity and the depth of your inner world. Perhaps the main mystery of this creation is that no matter which side you look at the garden, you can see only 14 stones, always one of them will disappear from view.

Mind games

An equally interesting mystery of the garden is its hypnotic effect on a person. Contemplating the stones, there is an opportunity to think about the higher, to find peace of mind and spirit, to immerse yourself in yourself. However, it was for the meditation of the monks of the temple that he was created by the master.

The mysteries of such a charming landmark of Kyoto can only be comprehended through silent reflection. But this can be done only after the opening of the garden, when there is no one else. A little lower is another garden, created in the era when the teachings of Zen had not yet reached Japan. No less charming, with its smooth and soft curves it creates a magnificent setting for the harsh spirituality of the philosophical rock garden.

Today, this unique creation of human hands and a beautiful bewitching place is on the UNESCO lists as the most valuable object of history and cultural monument. Another of the most beautiful and ancient sights of Kyoto can be noted Fushimi Inari-taisha Temple, built in 711.

Ryoanji Rock Garden on Kyoto map

Perhaps one of the most important shrines of Zen Buddhism - Ryoanji Temple - was erected in 1450 and became a refuge for monks who adhered to Zen philosophy. Among his patrons were Tokugawa Ieyasu and Toyotomi Hideyoshi.

In the 18th century, the shrine was in decline, and most of the buildings were destroyed by fires. Today, the temple is famous for its Zen Buddhist-style rock garden, which is... />

(17 ratings, average: 4,29 out of 5)

The rock garden (“dry waters and mountains”) as a cultural and aesthetic structure appeared in Japan in the middle of the 14th century. A cobblestone of any shape or a piece of rock for the Japanese symbolizes something divine, sacred. Several centuries ago, this people believed that in the places of the greatest accumulation of stones, the most perfect natural creations, the gods live. The monks began to build stone gardens out of a desire to become closer to the gods. Much later, in addition to decorating the territory near the house, karesansui became a place for solitary reflections and meditations, helping to move away from worldly fuss and see the graceful beauty of simplicity in stone sculptures.

Karesansui

According to Japanese tradition, a rock garden is a flat rectangular area. Open space symbolizes freedom, emancipation, the vastness of the world. A low adobe fence on three sides of the composition creates a feeling of closeness and solitude. In Japan, water is a symbol of the dark feminine, and stone is a symbol of light male power. The surface of the rock garden, personifying the ocean, is covered with sand, small pebbles or gravel. Stone blocks, at first glance randomly scattered, are arranged according to a scheme subordinate to the traditions of Zen Buddhism.

Garden 15 stones

One of the most famous rock gardens is the Ryoan-ji Temple Garden, or 15 Rock Garden, built in 1499. Built in his likeness most stone compositions at temples in Japan.

On the site, covered with white gravel, there are 15 dark cobblestones in their original form, divided into five groups. Each stone group is lined with green moss, and the gravel is "combed" with a rake along the long side of the garden and in circles around the "islands". The stone composition is built in such a way that the fifteenth element always remains invisible. Seeing all 15 stones is only possible while hovering in the air.

In the 18th century, almost all the buildings of the Reanji temple were destroyed by fire. And only the stone composition has retained its original appearance to this day. The monks believe that only the "enlightened" is able to see the whole garden.

Gallery: rock garden (25 photos)

Creating a Japanese garden

Arranging a Japanese garden in a country house with your own hands will require tremendous patience and maximum painstaking. In order for the composition to look harmonious, it is necessary to observe some principles of arrangement of Japanese stone gardens.

• The feeling of emptiness is the first impression when contemplating a Japanese rock garden. Open and filled areas should be in harmony.
• The location of the stone groups is guided by a certain point of contemplation. Traditionally, the observation point is set on the north side of the garden, so that the midday sun does not blind the viewer.
• The Japanese stone garden is asymmetrical. Placement of stones and other elements of the same size is not allowed, and parallelism with respect to the landscape, buildings or each other is avoided.
• When designing a rock garden in a country house, one should be guided by the fundamental principle of placing objects - a heptagonal geometric network of lines. All elements are installed at the intersection points of the lines of the heptagon. The size of the territory chosen for the stone composition can be any, but the larger it is, the more likely it is to fit the entire heptagon into space and get visually more spacious garden.
• The entire area of ​​the Japanese garden is covered with sand, pebbles or rubble. Then, imitating water ripples, a wave-like pattern is applied with a rake.

Basic and decorative attributes

Stone

An important role in creating a Japanese garden with their own hands plays choice of stones. All selected exhibits must be perfectly combined and emphasize the harmony of the landscape.

decorative elements

The use of small architectural forms completes the composition.

Tracks

If the area of ​​the garden allows, paths made of flat stone, concrete tiles or bricks will become a symbolic addition to the stone composition. The path in the Japanese stone garden has the meaning of life's journey. Winding, without clear geometric forms, the path is designed to lead its visitor through the garden to all points of contemplation and slowly examine all the pictures of the garden.

When laying the elements of the path, it is necessary to avoid the formation of clear squares and the intersection of four lines. Stones or bricks do not fit closely, there is at least a centimeter gap between them, in which moss or grass can be planted. Comfortable and durable, with soft curves, the path should be in harmony with all the elements of the Japanese garden, without drawing attention to itself with brightness and clear graphics.

Process of creation

With the correct arrangement of stone groups, a feeling of eternity and constancy arises.

By designing the free part of your backyard in the tradition of the Japanese rock garden, you will get a comfortable place for privacy where you can think and clear your mind of daily hustle and bustle.

So, the Buddhist temple of Ryoan-ji - Temple of the Resting Dragon- is known far beyond the borders of Japan and is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The main attraction of the temple is the Rock Garden. On the sandy platform inside the complex there are 15 black uncut stones: from whatever point the visitor views this composition, the fifteenth stone is always out of his field of vision, blocked by the rest. You can observe all the stones only by soaring above the garden and, in this regard, it is believed that the full picture is available only to those who have achieved enlightenment. Well, or those who have a quadrocopter.

I already mentioned the Golden Temple of Kinkaku-ji in the post about the best photo for September. The pavilion, covered with sheets of pure gold, was built in the 14th century as a villa for the shogun to relax. Here he spent his last years, having lost interest in the political life of the country. For many Russian tourists, this temple is familiar not only from the colorful booklets of travel companies, but also thanks to the translation of the work of the classic of modern Japanese literature, a man with an unusual fate - Yukio Mishima. The novel The Golden Temple (in the Russian title) was translated in the 70s by Grigory Chkhartishvili, a popular writer now known under the pseudonym Boris Akunin.

Map of the temple grounds. Now the tourist route lies around the pond and the golden pavilion. Only a select few are allowed to look inside:

3.

Centuries-old oak in front of the entrance to the territory:

4.

The pavilion stands on the bank of the Mirror Pond, reflecting and playing with reflections of its gilding in the water surface:

5.

6.

Taxi drivers take pictures of schoolchildren excursionists. Interestingly, some companies have adopted the form of drivers and even insignia (shoulder straps) that mark the driver's experience and professionalism.

Taxi in Kyoto is a popular form of transport not only for tourists, but also for school trips. Students are brought here from all over the country. Acquaintance with the monuments of national culture is an important part of the school education program. Every Japanese student is brought on an excursion to Kyoto and the ancient capital of Nara. Instead of moving on a big bus, the class is divided into links and groups of 4-5 people go along the route by taxi. The driver, acting as a guide, shows the city, takes pictures of the guys and tells them about the sights:

7.

Kinkakuji Pond is beautiful in itself: neatly trimmed pine trees and silhouettes of stones are reflected in the mirror surface, creating a harmonious atmosphere of unity with nature:

8.

The art of growing trees is highly regarded in Japan.

Everyone knows the art of growing dwarf trees "on a tray" - "bonsai". Large trees are given no less attention. Pines are held in high esteem, they require careful care, constant haircuts. Heavy branches are propped up, and in winter they are even covered with special umbrellas from snow. Many pines have their own names. Some trees are consciously shaped - in the picture "Pine Ship" is one of the three most beautiful pine trees in Kyoto. According to legend, the tree is more than 600 years old and it still remembers the builder of the Golden Temple:

9.

Stone lanterns are one type of donation to temples and shrines, like the red torii at Fushimi Inari Shrine. Usually they are placed in front of the temple facade or along the alleys, but they can often be found in the “ordinary” Japanese garden or courtyard of a traditional Japanese house:

10.

A small waterfall in Kinkakuji is called the Dragon Gate. According to an ancient Chinese legend, a carp that climbs upstream through a waterfall into the sky can turn into a dragon. Here you see a stone symbolizing a carp that is about to reach its goal:

11.

Covered with real gold, harmoniously tinted with a cypress bark roof, the Golden Pavilion is beautiful at any time of the year and day:

12.

Once, Emperor Gomizuno came to these places to admire the pavilion, and a small tea hut was built especially for him - “The Charm of the Sunset” Sekkatei. It has been rebuilt several times since then, but even now it gives an idea of ​​the Japanese art of the tea ceremony and the structure of the tea house:

13.

The ideal is simplicity and modesty, combined with refinement of material and form:

14.

Japanese predictions are basically "good", "very good", "excellent", "great". "Bad" is rare. At the exit there is a special place where you can tie an "unsuccessful" prediction. A special inscription additionally informs that this place is only for unlucky fortune-telling. It is customary to take the good with you:

15.

Garden of Stones. Complex scheme:

Lily pond:

17.

The counter with the hidden stone works only from a certain side of the garden. A special visual platform was made there:

Model of a rock garden for the visually impaired:

19.

In theory, the stones should be in the water. To recreate this effect, gravel is leveled with a special pattern that imitates waves:

20.

21.

Near the temple building there are six buckets of water that act as a fire extinguisher:

22.

23.

= Japan =