The world we see appears different depending on the person looking. Do you know the word "interpretation”? For example, when you see the boulders and stones in a dry landscape garden, you can interpret them in many ways, such as "Buddhist" in sensibility or perhaps as a "hermit's island," despite the fact that they're just rocks. Here at Tōfuku-ji Temple, the famous dry landscape gardens show the universe using only stones and sand, according to Zen Buddhist thought. These gardens are a testament to landscape designer Shigemori Mirei's eternal pursuit of modernity.

Take for instance, the Eastern Garden's cylinders, which are arranged to form the seven stars of the Big Dipper. It's said that the two hedges in the center are an interpretation of the Milky Way. It is also said that the Eight-Faced Garden displays the entire life of Shakyamuni Buddha. Shigemori Mirei did not leave any insights as to how these gardens should be interpreted or what they allude to. This is because he carefully chose to leave each garden's interpretation to the viewers’ imagination.

In addition, the dry landscape gardens were designed with Zen teachings in mind, ensuring that "absolutely no space is wasted." Because of this, the Eastern, Western, Southern and Northern Gardens are each built upon unique ideas. For example, the Eastern Garden's cylinders are made from scraps left behind from when the monastery restroom was dismantled. The stone slabs of the Northern Garden were also once used to line the inside of the abbot's chamber.

It's impossible to grasp all the different Zen Buddhist teachings and philosophies hidden within the Eastern, Western, Southern and Northern gardens of the dry landscape park with just a glance. What will you see when you look at them? Why not take a trip to Tōfuku-ji Temple and experience the teachings of Zen for yourself?

※ON THE TRIP has prepared an audio guide for Tōfuku-ji Temple. We encourage you to listen to it as you roam the grounds of Tōfuku-ji Temple.