Connecting
The Zen garden as a conduit for experiencing the interplay of memory, time, and space.
By Takuma Ono
At its core, Zen gardens are human-designed landscapes that engage memory, time, and space. Through thoughtfully arranged rocks, gravel, and plant life, a well-designed Zen garden captures both the tranquility and dynamism of nature. The ‘garden’ is often perceived as a ‘second’ nature of sorts, a work of art that’s been generated with earthly materials which we falsely (and habitually) perceive as being separate from ourselves. Earth, inhabited by humans—sound familiar? Like a locket worn around the neck, these gardens enable viewers to connect personal memories with the surrounding world. Such engagements with nature continually shape our sense of identity and our understanding of time—and placement in the universe. Ultimately, Zen gardens help create a profound bond between our inner lives and the external world.
Memory, both cognitive and embodied, is continually playing a pivotal role in how we’re engaging with the surrounding environment. The brain is not a mere repository of past experiences; the brain and the memories it holds, acts as a compass, guiding us through broader temporal and spatial contexts. Memory enables reflecting on events, people, places, and the cycles of nature—structuring our personal histories while helping us navigate the present. This dynamic relationship between memory, time, and space is profoundly influencing how you’re interpreting and experiencing your surroundings—right this moment. Gardens help tune the body to the rhythms of life.
By engaging with nature and the ever-changing rhythms of life, it’s possible to gain a deeper appreciation of the ephemeral, transient, and often invisible interconnections and linkages that work together—in mysterious and unknowable ways—and ultimately give rise to larger, more pronounced rhythms (and vice versa). Memory is connecting us to a broader framework of time and space, allowing us to reflect on our place in the world and to considering the long-term impact of our actions. This awareness of ‘interconnections’ is what fosters a sense of responsibility, It can urge us to make decisions that honor the needs of future generations—of those who have yet to exist. I firmly believe that when such insights guide both personal and political choices, we can make sustainable decisions that prioritize the collective future. By aligning ourselves with the rhythms of nature, we can move beyond short-term, exploitative thinking and embrace choices that ensure the preservation of resources for the long haul. This approach—of viewing landscape as a conduit for experiencing memory, time, and space—has the potential for cultivating a deep sense of stewardship, reinforcing humanity's crucial role as caretakers and conservationists of the planet—perhaps, for generations to come.
Read my blog post on the tidal landscapes and why I think they are so foundational to Zen garden design here.