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Japanese Stroll Gardens
It has often been pointed out that the difference between western gardens and Japanese gardens is that in the western garden, everything is visible. The way is clear, and there are no secrets.
In the Japanese stroll garden, however, secrets and mysteries hide behind the visible and only reveal themselves to the discerning eye. They provide a series of experiences such as the blossoms of the weeping cherry reflected in the surface of the pond, or the water, gravel, rock and blooming iris below.
Traditionally created by the nobility, Japanese stroll gardens are often designed on a large scale, and the visitor is invited to meander her way around a pond, view islands and strategically placed lanterns; rest on a hidden garden bench.
It is not the "reaching of the end", but the journey itself that is important in Japanese stroll gardens, as stroll gardens are used as a means to guide humans into an understanding of the oneness of nature, and the ultimate goal of harmony, peace and fulfillment.
One flower opens, spring everywhere.
Zen Haiku
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