Zen Philosophy
Instead of using landscape as patterns, elements are used to express feelings and thinking. Its austerity and simplicity reflect the preferences of Zen philosophy. The serenity of the composition provides space for the communication and the contemplation of Zen teaching. Zen teaching is never expressed through elaborate words, but through quiet parables. The garden of Ryoanji, with its limited but carefully selected stones, embodies the teaching of Zen philosophy. It is also a perfect setting for contemplation. The physically bare garden allows viewers to reflect towards oneself. The beauty of the garden lies peacefully inside the enlightenment of the viewer, and not in the materialistic exterior. Zen is the art of the void, and is well-illustrated in the garden of Ryoanji.
The drawing above depicts workers,
priest and artists all strolling in the garden. It possibly illustrates
the process that went into the design of the garden. As Zen monks
frequently traveled to different monasteries, different ideas were exchanged
in these travels. The garden of Ryoanji probably was a collaborative effort
from the different monks and artists; thus, making it difficult to determine
who was the sole designer.
Tray Gardens
These miniature landscapes (kazan or kazansui), which are made up of little rocks and soil, are usually created in bronze or stone squared containers. They hold a strong resemblance to the dry gardens. They were imported from China, and was very popular during the Muromachi period. This not only reflects the strong connection between garden and art, but also the strong Chinese influences.
Chinese Confucian Thinking
As indicated by the name of the temple, the dragon denotes the power of the Emperor. This sufficiently represents the Confucian belief in order and hierarchy. Also, one interpretation of the layout of the garden is that it represents Tiger Cubs crossing the River.(See Interpretations Page) Tiger crossing the river symbolizes in Confucian thinking the virtue of the ruler, defending the country even from wild beasts. All these reflect the deep influences of Chinese Confucian thinking in the design of the garden.