In the Motsu-ji temple, dating from 850, Hiraizumi. Photo : Claude Gagné

If water represents the infinity of thought, do islands then stand for the limits of human knowledge?

One chapter of the Sakutei-ki discusses the many forms that islands could take, back in the 11^th century.

Landscape islands with mountains, tree groves, reefs...

Abstract islands evoking a cloud, mist, a beach at low tide...

	In the Nanzen-ji temple, dating from 1264, Kyoto. Photo : Claude Gagné

Bridges link islands to the shore, in a symbolic passage to the Islands of the Immortals.

But they also offer views of waterfalls, ponds and brooks.

Montréal Japanese Garden, a bridge and its reflection complement one another. Photo : Michel Lambert

They come in many shapes, and may be made of wood or stone.

One of the most prized visual effects is the circle formed by the arch and its reflection in the water.

The tangible married with the intangible, through the magic interplay of water and light.

Open Windows on Japanese Gardens 1. Opening a window onto a universe 2. A very famous Zen garden 3. Step by step on stepping stones 4. Endless maintenance 5. Key to the project: the choice of stone 6. The birth of a "Japanese" garden in Montréal 7. Wanted: Hardy species 8. The three religions of Japan 9. Three gardens, three relationships between man and Nature 10. Shakkei or borrowed scenery 11. Living symbols 12. 3, 5, 7 13. Of appearance and essence 14. Precious, colourful carp 15. Mineral strength 16. Changing scale 17. The spirit of stone 18. Islands of the Immortals 19. Plants and time 20. Discreet but essential ground covers 21. Shrubs and the art of plant sculpture 22. Trees, venerable above all 23. Water, a moving mirror of life 24. A pond and its fish 25. Islands and bridges 26.Flowing, shimmering water 27. Listen to your Heart 28. Some important dates

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