Landscape garden city in Japan changed moss into works of art, executive summary by darmansjah
Remember the first time I met geisha. At that time I was in Gion, a small district in Kyoto, geisha settlement since the 1600s. It was about seven in the evening, the sun kissing the horizon, and I'm down Canal Shirakawa, moving from side to side across the bridge. Light from the bar and tavern flicker. I turned the corner and saw the woman across the sidewalk, clad in a pair of tiny legs like a locomotive pedestal, clad in colorful clothing and motifs. Her hair wearing a white mask, leaving only the lip line of red blush. Pink and white flowers adorning her black hair knot. Flash, he disappeared.
According toDaisukeUtagawa, famous chefswho know bothKyoto, geishaare examples ofwabi-sabi, an elusiveconcept. Wabi, clearlyUtagawa, showingfreshness, serenity, andsimplicity. Sabidescribesbeautyglazedage, reflecting thetransienceof the physical: weatheringthe building, spreadingmosson stone, tobronzeoldscarring. It is a Zen idea of the beauty that is temporary, imperfect, and not intentional. Utagawa said: "Wabi-sabi is our souls that we think is beautiful. This is not something tangible that can be touched fingers. It opens sensitivity to every detail, a glimmer of light, and a gust of wind. "
It is aZenideaof thebeautythatistemporary, imperfect, andnotintentional. Utagawasaid:"Wabi-sabi is oursoulsthatwe thinkis beautiful. This is notsomethingtangiblethatcanbetouchedfingers. Itopenssensitivity toeverydetail, aglimmeroflight, andagustofwind."
Two and a half hour train ride from Tokyo to the southwest, arrived in Kyoto, Japan's eighth largest city, radiating a mysterious beauty who describes a fusion of culture for centuries. If Tokyo reflects the strength and power, Kyoto is the subtlety and elegance. The town is singing great. Offering beauty for the eyes, peace to the soul. Imperial capital of Japan for over a thousand years filled with temples, shrines, and palaces, 18 of which are World Heritage property.
Walking in theGiondistrict ofKyoto,allowingyour childto meetgeisha. But thebest experiencefor kidsis amossgardeninSaihojiTemple, the western part ofKyoto. Drivingalongthe winding roadatthe foot of MountMatsuo, sunlightpenetratesdarknessandbrownbamboo-and youcamethere. Utagawacalledone ofthe most beautifulgardensin theworld. Ledby aZenBuddhistmonkwhoseeksto preservepeace, and require thatvisitorsreserveat least onemonthin advance.
Although thereserveis, "do notthink youcan directly enterthe garden," says Utagawa. "First of all you have to doan activity." I entered the temple,replace theshoeswith slippers, and meetthe peopleat the tablewas bentlittleshort.I wasgivena sheet ofpaper with262Japanese characters, and sat downat the table. Arrangedon top, a piece of paper, bamboobrush, acharcoalcubes, anda small boxof water. Irubbedcharcoalinto the waterpath to makeink. Dipped the brushinto theink, thencarveoneof 262Japanese characters. The only sound wasthe birds singingandthe wind blowingon theroof.There are times whenmonksbreaking the silencewhenaskinga compliment. Finally, 30 minutes later, I had finishedwriting the name, date, and expectations onpaper, put it ina place of worship, bow-and prepares to enterthe garden.
"The purposes of the above," said Utagawa, "To put youin the moodthatled to thebeauty around. Andjustfocus ona smallcalligraphycharacter, thenyou willenterthe gardenwill lookmore fresh, bright, anddetail. "
Expanse ofmossin the garden, ornatestonetrailandshaded by treesand alargepond. Thickmoss, mossthin, curvedmosses, lichenshairy. Mossclingingto therocks. Mosscreeping upthe tree. Mossmade theshadowof theorangekoifishin thepond. Endlesssparklegreenmoss. Padangmoss. Mossmountains. There are morethan 120species ofmoss.
Then, I learned that this green paradise, maintained by a white-gloved guards who diligently sweeping expanse of moss, 700 years ago planned to be two gardens, dry and humid. Hermossfollow the principles ofwabi-sabitrue, in a short timepenetratedeverywhere, creating asublimeand unexpectedbeauty. Youcansaythis as asurgemossgardenearth.
Is there a lesson here? Yes. Not only for kids but also for all of us: the idea is to see, to look deeper. This is the essence of the journey and the lessons are.
Zen andRecency
Youcanvisit thegardensmossonly at certain timeseach day, and mustmake reservationsby mail (monks maintainsilenceand peacein thetemple). Includeyour name, address in Japan, occupation, age, number of peoplein the group, the date of arrival(as well as alternativedates) and areplyenvelopethat is equippedtoaddress, stamporinternationalreply coupons. sendto:Saiho-ji Temple, 56 Kamigaya-cho, Matsuo, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto. (If you areJapanese nationals, send a postcard ortwoofukuhagaki). Arrive on time. "Donations"recommended¥ 3,000
