Zen Gardens

We use words all the time to describe something that is without words, then I remembered my first visit to Kyoto over 10 years ago.
I found some photos online that show the only zen garden I visited...During winter, the snow is also arainged. The effect is indescribable. I don't consider myself overly spiritual or emotional, but the effect the garden had on me was on a few different levels. my body felt a vibration like I was at a very loud concert, except there was nothing to hear. My mind felt like a baby's not really comprehending. My heart felt relaxed.
http://phototravels.net/kyoto/zen-gardens-ryogen-in.html

Bodhidharma described Zen as:

"Not reliant on the written word,
A special transmission separate from the scriptures;
Direct pointing at one's mind,
Seeing one's nature, becoming a Buddha."

Zen Gardens are a way of transmitting without words.

I've visted many times since, but have yet to experience the garden in the same way each time.

Take me with you....

(Something I recently shared with friends.)

I remember seeing Andre Segovia in concert as a child. A chair, a stand with a glass of water, and a small man in black on stage with a guitar. So odd, so many people crammed into a tiny space and making no sound.

A still little man in black, and out of that stillness came the most incredible sound that I still remember the feeling of wonder that came over me.

-Narda

aaahh! simply wonderful!

I'd like one of these at home! The nearest I have to it at the moment is a garden with camellias and stones and a dragon.

for fear of sounding ignorant, I appreciate the aesthetic value of the zen gardens, and i m sure more learned people attach a greater meaning to them than i ever could.
But, as it seems that reality and zen are not mutually exclusive ideas, I would like a garden that I could walk around in.

Quote:

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Take me with you....

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Me too!