Gardens of Shangri-La

When I reckon about Japanese gardens, I reckon about the bonsai trees – tiny trees that dot nearly every Japanese garden you’ll find. I personally like them. I also reckon about Zen Buddhism and the impact it has on these gorgeous gardens. Nearly every Japanese garden I’ve ever seen has been done with a Zen or Zen-like theme. The Zen theme in Japanese gardens is everywhere and not just in the garden itself. Homes with Japanese gardens often have a Zen theme as well. It’s simple to feel like you’re in Japan itself when walking through such a garden.

I personally became fascinated with Japanese gardens from the moment I saw one. I remember the event very clearly. It was back when my mother was working in an international language school. A colleague of hers – a Japanese professor – had spent a lot of time in Japan and had picked up many of their customs. One particular custom he developed was that of having and keeping up a wonderful Japanese garden.

My first experience with his Japanese garden was when the Japanese professor had some people over to his home and I was one of the lucky ones he invited. I took one look at his tiny Japanese garden and I was completely hooked. At the time, I really had no thought what it was. I didn’t even know it was an Asian-themed garden. I just liked how clean and delicate it was. The garden was spotlessly clean and I remember being frightened about entering it and not wanting to walk along the stone path through the garden. I was worried I would disturb the beauty and peacefulness of this incredible garden.

I reckon the professor must have noticed how enamored I was by his garden. He came up to me and carefully clarified to me what the garden was and why it was meant to be so peaceful and tranquil. He told me that I was looking at a Japanese garden and helped me know that certain characteristics defined what a Japanese garden was all about. He even showed me his precious bonsai trees and clarified the features of each one to me. Then he showed me his magnificent pond, complete with Koi fish swimming in it. He clarified that Koi fish were really Chinese fish but that they added to the prosperity of his otherwise completely Japanese-themed garden.

After only a couple of hours, I went from someone who hadn’t even heard about Japanese gardens to someone completely fascinated by how simplistic, gorgeous and tranquil they are. I really learned the meaning of Japanese gardens that day. In fact, as you may imagine, I have my very own Japanese garden that I tend to on a daily basis. Without the patience of that kind professor, I wouldn’t have such a gorgeous garden today.

Tags: Beautiful Gardens, Beauty, Bonsai Trees, Colleague, Customs, Dot, First Experience, Gardens, International Language School, Japanese, Japanese Garden, Japanese Gardens, Japanese Professor, Lot, One Of The Lucky Ones, Peacefulness, Stone Path, Time In Japan, Tiny Trees, Tranquility, Zen Buddhism, Zen Gardens