Day 3 - May 18 - Ginkakuji Temple, Philosopher's Path and Gion

Day 3 Photographs

Ga - Neatness, propriety, elegance (as defined by Gion Nakai)

(Richie, 2007)

"Japanese culture became structured with its aesthetic values at the center. Aesthetic concerns often prvailed even over religious beliefs and duties."
Kato Shuichi

Great thought is given to design in Japan even to nature. Their hands inform how they see and experience nature in their world.

The paths on approach to temples is simple yet sets the stage for contemplation and awareness.

Inside the temple gardens, I have noticed on many of the paths, especially stairs, the stones are uneven and the landings unevenly spaced. I have to assume this is intentional - a desire to keep the participant engaged in the garden experience. It would be difficult to text and safely walk in Japan.

Garden paths are not designed as a mindless way to pass time. They are designed to keep the participant alert and thoughtful about life.  This is accomplished with the incorporation of wishing ponds, flowering plants and trees, sand gardens and overlook resting places.

The wishing ponds remind visitors to reflect on the abundance and blessings in their lives as they search their minds for their wish. The beauty of these ponds are a wonderful place to realize how little you are lacking in life. This opens your eyes to truly see the beauty of the garden.

Walkway leading to Ginkakuji Temple.

The flowering plants reflect the seasons and the passage of time which is very important in the Japanese culture. Often in the gardens there will be a few trees surrounded by moss and a few well placed rocks. Compared to American gardens where there can be many trees and many flowers - in Japan abundance is unnecessary. "The one may stand for the all--less is always more (Richie, 2007)."

Sand garden along the Philosopher's Path.