Zen Garden Essay
The Zen gardens appear as perfect representations of Buddhism’s “middle way.” Aesthetically pleasing to the eye, they display symmetry and diverse linear movement, yet unembellished with a limited color palate, permitting minimal mental distraction. Consequently, if the goal of Zen Buddhism is a clear mind and calm body, then the gardens pictured on the website are an exemplary space for the Zen Buddhist. However, when the gardens are inaccessible to the Zen Buddhist, koans may be more practical. Although described as illogical, the koans seem more like unconventional riddles created to bend and reform the students understanding and perception of life. Technically, by learning abstract, philosophical responses to these riddles, the Buddhist
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Centered in the garden is an oval patch of grass with two boulders, enclosed with raked sand. Surrounding the sand is two linear trenches filled with black and tan stones, and encasing these trenches is dark square tile. A few trees and tall boulders line the perimeter adjacent to the wall fencing in the garden. Visitors view the garden on a raised wooden deck shaded by a pagoda. Undoubtedly, this is the garden I would enjoy most, considering it is the largest garden. Unfortunately for me, small spaces foster anxiety. After reading the handful of koan examples, my favorite was the one with Yunyan and Douwu. “When Yunyan was sweeping, Douwu said, ‘Too busy.’ Yunyan said, ‘You should know when there’s one who isn’t busy.’ Douwu said, ‘If so, there’s a second moon.’ Yunyan held up the broom and said, ‘Which moon is this?’” (Friedler). I enjoyed this koan most for its clever and sarcastic response. Naturally, the Buddhist students must experience frustration during their training, and this example displays a cunning answer to a humorous riddle. Life is full of humor, and even the extremely thoughtful should embrace it on occasion. Apparently, from the limited amount of information I have examined of Buddhists, there is an abundance of indisputable humor, simply unconventional to the average
Centered in the garden is an oval patch of grass with two boulders, enclosed with raked sand. Surrounding the sand is two linear trenches filled with black and tan stones, and encasing these trenches is dark square tile. A few trees and tall boulders line the perimeter adjacent to the wall fencing in the garden. Visitors view the garden on a raised wooden deck shaded by a pagoda. Undoubtedly, this is the garden I would enjoy most, considering it is the largest garden. Unfortunately for me, small spaces foster anxiety. After reading the handful of koan examples, my favorite was the one with Yunyan and Douwu. “When Yunyan was sweeping, Douwu said, ‘Too busy.’ Yunyan said, ‘You should know when there’s one who isn’t busy.’ Douwu said, ‘If so, there’s a second moon.’ Yunyan held up the broom and said, ‘Which moon is this?’” (Friedler). I enjoyed this koan most for its clever and sarcastic response. Naturally, the Buddhist students must experience frustration during their training, and this example displays a cunning answer to a humorous riddle. Life is full of humor, and even the extremely thoughtful should embrace it on occasion. Apparently, from the limited amount of information I have examined of Buddhists, there is an abundance of indisputable humor, simply unconventional to the average