The Zen gardens of Japan are places in which to meditate. They can be anything from a landscaped garden, complete with waterfalls, to a bed of raked pebbles. This ancient way of gardening goes back to the Zen Buddhist priest-gardeners of the thirteenth century. Based on abstract compositions, relying on simplicity and suggestion, their gardens were designed to liberate the imagination, while providing a starting point in the appreciation of everyday things. Zen Gardening is the first handbook to examine the concepts and techniques that make up this garden art and to apply them to the West. It explains the historical relationship between Zen and the development of gardens, and gives practical suggestions for the creation of a Zen garden at home. The chapters on the garden components and their adaptation for the West, principles of design, and construction work, are illustrated with over 150 line drawings. Step by step they show us how to make the most of corners of large gardens, of plots not large enough for lawns and flower beds, or of awkward passageways, alleys and terraces. The principles of Zen gardening are particularly relevant in our crowded conurbations. Keir Davidson's thoughtful and practical approach enables us to maximize our garden space and to create areas of calm in our own immediate environment. Without precedent in the West, his book will be a source of delight to gardeners of every persuasion.

Create an outdoor haven of peace and tranquility with this beloved Japanese tradition Whether it's on a small balcony or in your backyard, a Zen garden can beautify your outdoor space and be a deeply meditative practice. Even if you have no experience with Zen or Zen gardening, this book will teach you everything you need to plan, build, maintain, and enjoy a garden of your own. There's no need for special equipment—Zen gardens are created with natural elements like gravel, rocks, stones, and greenery, making them perfect for the beginner and the minimalist alike. A holistic approach to Zen—Get an introduction to the background, philosophy, and aesthetic principles of Zen gardening, and find peaceful meditative practices to do in your own space. Zen gardening for everyone—Explore a variety of garden designs, both traditional and contemporary, that accommodate a multitude of budgets, space constraints, and garden sizes. Instructional illustrations—Discover insightful diagrams that show you how to execute different Zen gardening designs. Retreat to your own tranquil Japanese rock garden with The Zen Garden for Beginners.

Our relationship with our garden mirrors our relationship with all the world - nourishing, reciprocal, deeply connected. Taking inspiration from the words of writers, artists, and great Zen thinkers, this book recounts the incomparable satisfaction we can achieve by working in harmony with nature instead of battling against it...and reminds us of the lessons we can learn, and the joy we can reap, through gardening.

Zen gardens are havens for contemplation, reflecting the beauty of nature and the aesthetic sense of the gardener. Some represent vast landscapes in a small area, some use raked gravel to represent rushing water, while others feature natural stones signifying symbolic animals such as turtles and cranes. Zen Gardening also provide an ecofriendly alternative to the old-fashioned lawn -- they require little or no water, while the use of fertilizers and pesticides is anathema to the spirit of the Zen garden.With its practical advice on plant selection, and numerous examples of how modern gardens are transformed into beautiful, harmonious refuges, Zen Gardening places every aspect of creating a Zen garden at the hands of today's gardeners. This unique book simplifies the complex principes adopted centuries ago by Buddhist monks, explores their aims in creating outdoor spaces along Zen principles, and reveals the meaning of the different elements and their juxtaposition. Gardeners will learn to create a controlled and harmonious environment -- and, in the process, to nourish the spirit and allow anxiety to gently subside, making room for quiet reflection.

The illustrated Zen Rock Gardening Book, an introduction to the art, and a creative guide to cultivation; and the Zen Garden, including a 10 1/4" x 6" wood tray, white sand, a wooden rake, and five rocks.

In this second volume of his classic history, one of the world's foremost Zen scholars turns his attention to the development of Zen in Japan.

The art of zen has been becoming increasingly popular over the past decade. While it may have been thought of as “hippie” stuff back in the early 60s and 70s, more and more people have begun to show an interest in the wisdom that Zen Buddhism has to offer. Now, instead of seeing well-groomed people looking down on shaggy kids who are talking about these non-western concepts, you will see a soccer mom on her way to yoga class quipping about her zen without batting an eye. In fact, zen is everywhere! People from all walks of life are beginning to embrace a modern take on this ancient knowledge.

Create with Zen in mind and build a beautiful landscape all your own with The Zen Rock Stacking Kit. Learn simplicity, serenity, and balance in the art of setting stones rooted in Zen tradition. Channel positive energy and discover the therapeutic benefits of Zen rock stacking. You will alleviate stress and nurture your creativity with your own unique cairns. This kit includes 1 Zen garden tray, 5 rocks, 1 bamboo rack, 1 bag of sand, and a 48-page booklet exploring the history of Zen. Bring tranquility and balance to all settings, from your desk to your nightstand, and create a meditative space wherever you are with The Zen Rock Stacking Kit.

From masterfully funny and poignant Jordan Sonnenblick, a story that will have everyone searching for their inner Zen. Meet San Lee, a (sort of) innocent teenager, who moves against his will to a new town. Things get interesting when he (sort of) invents a new past for himself, which makes him incredibly popular. In fact, his whole school starts to (sort of) worship him, just because he (sort of) accidentally gave the impression that he's a reincarnated mystic.When things start to unravel, San needs to find some real wisdom in a hurry. Can he patch things up with his family, save himself from bodily harm, stop being an outcast, and maybe even get the girl?

You stroll out into your backyard. You see a tangle of overgrown shrubs, a lawn that needed to be mowed yesterday, and a series of rosebushes minus the roses. Or maybe you’ve just taken possession of your brand-new house in a brand-new subdivision, and when you step out the back door, all you see is a vista of sod – and in the far distance, the neighbor’s sapling. Either way, you know that you want to do something to your yard, and soon. But you’re not quite sure what or how. Feng Shui Your Garden For Dummies has the answer. This ancient Chinese philosophy of design can be applied to any room, building, or outdoor space, and it doesn’t require burning incense or belief in bizarre, esoteric ideas. Feng Shui Your Garden For Dummies is for you if you Have a yard, garden, or piece of outdoor space Know that your surroundings influence how you feel Want to design a friendly, welcoming outdoor space Feng Shui Your Garden For Dummies is organized so that the information is easy to find and easy to use. Each part of the book relates to a general topic. You'll discover information about: Understanding the principles of Feng Shui, to give you some hints about getting the energy flowing in your garden (can you feel those good vibes?) Getting started on your Feng Shui garden, by choosing an auspicious (favorable) location for your garden, creating positive energy with your plants, and raising the energy by inviting wildlife into it Creating a theme garden, such as an aromatherapy garden, hummingbird garden, butterfly garden, or Zen garden. You'll also gain insight into gardening in tight spaces such as patios, rooftops, and courtyards Feng Shui is just a way of looking at the world and shaping your environment to be pleasing and welcoming to you. You don’t even have to believe in it for it to work. But it does work. Let this book show you how.