THE ZEN GARDEN

The Zen garden is typical of Japanese culture, the best known of which is the Karesansui or dry garden whose elements (water, plants, stones) are represented symbolically by stones and gravel.
Water symbolises life
Stones are the place in the garden where peace reigns. Rocks of considerable size are preferred, to give the impression of having existed there for a long time. They are a symbol of strength and refer to a concept of the eternity of the mountains.
Plants are represented by evergreens, mosses and ferns, which are present during the entire course of the year.
The Zen garden can impart serenity and harmony. It is a place full of meaning, where you can find well-being in natural surroundings.
By using Feng Shui a harmonious garden has been created, and placed near a house , as we have done in the Enchanted Wood.
By the irradiation of this vital energy (Ch’í) negative energy can be countered and overcome.
With the aid of a wooden rake, you can trace continuous unbroken lines so as to creat paths of harmony. In this way, every single person transmits the path of his or her inner being directly on the surface of the Zen garden.
Around the boulders placed in Zen gardens are circular lines as if they were waves on the sea, enabling you to move to a different point of view.
First building and then cultivating a Zen garden symbolises cultivating your own soul and character, in a path of continuous growth immersed in a natural place like the Enchanted Wood, in inner silence and completely in contact with unspoiled Nature and with yourself.
The result is the achievement of inner peace during the time spent in wandering through the garden and in meditation which can be practised on the large central stone or on a bench beside the garden.
The message of the Zen garden is that we should concentrate on the essential being of things, and on the search for what is simple and harmonious within each one of us.
We have decided to show you some pictures of Ostana and the territory of the Po, Bronda and Infernotto Valleys.