Q&A for How to Create a Zen Garden

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Can I put small stones and a statue in your miniature Zen garden?

Mr_Norman

Community Answer

Absolutely! General principles of Wabi (simplicity without pretension) and Sabi (solitary ancient beauty) are said to apply. These are a direct expression of the four unique characteristics of Buddhist teachings: all things are impermanent, passing just as they arise, disappearing; suffering is caused by grasping at such an objective reality; objective realities exist utterly without their own self-nature; realization is vast, peaceful bliss.

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Question

Where can I get a small rake?

Faiza Talukder

Community Answer

You should check out your local shops that sell gardening supplies, or buy from Amazon or eBay.

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Question

What is a Zen garden?

Mr. Sagdiyev

Community Answer

A Zen garden is a peaceful place where you can go to meditate or admire the simplicity of its design, pebbles, rocks stone and sand, all basic elements put together to make a simple, yet beautiful space. It's a great thing to have whether you're Buddhist or not and a statue of one of the Buddhas or a sage is a common element.

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Question

What is the implement that looks like a fork?

Community Answer

It's a a garden rake, you can make one yourself. It is used to create patterns that resemble the ripples of water movement in lakes and oceans.

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Question

Would azalea bushes be a good addition to a Zen Garden?

Community Answer

If you find azaleas relaxing, then go for it! Traditionally, Zen Gardens would only have wild plants and grasses that are cut low though.

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Question

If my garden is outside in a box, how do I keep it from being waterlogged?

Community Answer

You could store the box in an airtight container, put it in a sheltered place, or bring it indoors when it rains.

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Question

Where do I get the plants for my zen garden?

Community Answer

You can buy plants from any garden store, nursery, and even some home supply stores (like Home Depot). You could also grow your own from seeds!

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Question

Where do I purchase a weed retainer?

Wryd333

Community Answer

You should check out your local gardening shop or Home Depot, most likely you will be able to find one at one of the locations.

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Question

Is it necessary to place a Buddha or sage statue in the Zen garden?

Torpi

Top Answerer

It's not necessary. Zen gardens originated from before Buddhism entered Japan (which itself was very long ago - the 12th century).

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Question

I wanted to know if we want to make Zen garden in outdoors, how to safe guard the chips in the monsoon?

Torpi

Top Answerer

Building outdoors, you should still use a "mould" (basically a container) to prevent the sand from washing away. You will have to re-rake the designs in the sand, but that is part of the point of Zen gardens.

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Question

Why is it so small?

Torpi

Top Answerer

Evidently the person who took photos decided they just wanted a desktop garden instead of something bigger. The process is similar for a bigger garden, just with bigger objects and tools - and traditionally it is designed to be viewed from only one perspective, so if you want a bigger garden, pick the spot you want to look at it from and plan around that.

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Question

Could I just use a fork to create designs in my zen garden?

Community Answer

Technically yes, but it's not ideal, it's not only about the designs, but the relaxing activity.

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