Mark Megahan
You don’t need to be Buddhist to appreciate the relaxing nature of a zen garden. With spring fast approaching, many homeowners are meditating a backyard makeover. The Kaizen Garden in Ahmedabad, India, provides a whole bunch of inspiration. Maybe the whole Japanese feng shui experience is a bit much for your taste but you can do a whole lot with a few bags of fine sand and some rocks. Who knows, after you get started you may find yourself pricing prefab pagodas on Amazon.
Zen harmony in chaos
A zen garden is just the place to relax and unwind. No matter what country or culture you live in, the fast-paced rhythm of everyday life can be overwhelming. Especially in the modern chaos of a city like Ahmedabad, India.
That’s why the Ahmedabad Management Association offers “a peaceful haven where Japanese culture merges with the beauty of nature.”
The AMA’s Zen Kaizen Garden invites visitors to “experience a range of elements that highlight Japanese art, culture, landscape, and architecture.”
They went all out with a lighted “Ta-Taki Waterfall, Bonsai trees, Japanese lanterns, and more.” Their garden is “the result of a collaborative effort” between the Japan Information and Study Center at AMA and the Indo-Japan Friendship Association.
You’re welcome to borrow ideas from their design, which “draws inspiration from traditional Japanese Zen gardens.”
The concept began in the 6th century when Buddhist monks were seeking a suitable setting for meditation and spiritual reflection.
Common central elements
There are several traditional “elements” used in the Zen Kaizen Garden. Beginning with the traditional “raked sand, carefully placed rocks, and minimalist design.” It’s all carefully arranged to “evoke a sense of calm and mindfulness.”
To provide an appropriate setting for the traditional garden, “the space features several other aspects that reflect Japan’s cultural heritage.”
AMA carefully constructed and skillfully backlit their Ta-Taki Waterfall to look like the original in Yambaru National Park. Their Zen master gardener didn’t skimp on the Bonsai trees. As a centerpiece and sort of visitor center, AMA constructed a “royal garden pavilion.” They accented it with Japanese lanterns.
“Kaizen Hall, located within the garden, embodies the Japanese philosophy of continuous improvement. It’s a space dedicated to learning and personal growth, reflecting the ethos of excellence at AMA.”
Also featured as part of the Zen Kaizen Garden is a red arched bridge. Those are “a common element in Japanese gardens.” There’s no right or wrong way to design one but “these additions enhance the cultural experience of the garden, offering visitors insight into Japanese aesthetics and philosophy.”
One of the most popular features of the garden is the “fusion chabutro.” That’s “a bird feeder built in the traditional Japanese Pagoda style.” It may not be something the 6th century Zen monks would have thought of but they’d certainly approve.
