“In a Zen rock garden, the rocks may represent mountains or trees or animals. The sand may symbolize an expanse of water or a waterfall slithering down a mountain. Yet, in reality, the rocks are just rocks, and the sand is just sand. This, in a profound way, reflects how humans habitually manipulate nature, assign meanings to things around us and in the process of that, fool ourselves into becoming obsessed with those empty values. Contemplating upon the bareness and simplicity of a Zen rock garden, one may learn how to perceive the true substance of nature and see things beyond their meaningless appearances.”
Zen is a branch of Buddhism, a way of thinking. The goal of a Zen monk is to regain his “original or Buddha nature.” We are all born with a Buddha nature but as we get older, we become disconnected from our nature and attached to more worldly experiences. By performing the daily practice of raking the sand and meditating on the task, we can ultimately let go of our ego, desires and unhealthy obsessions.
Most of us don’t have access to an outdoor Zen rock garden but luckily it is easy to replicate these beautiful gardens in miniature. Miniature (or desk) Zen rock gardens can be purchased but they can also be home made. Any shallow container or tray can be used to create your very own rock garden. Fill it with sand, add a few stones and rake yourself into a peaceful state of mind.
“The true purpose behind the sand raking isn’t to create something aesthetically pleasing but to train your own thought; it is, in other words, an implicit form of moving meditation.”
Source: Den Garden