Made of sand and stone, the most celebrated of Zen gardens is designed according to the "three-five-seven" concept: three groups of rocks, of three rocks, two rocks and two rocks. Photo : Sophie Lambert

Ryoan-ji, created in Kyoto in the late 9^th century by Soami, a painter and gardener, is one of Japan's famous stone gardens-exercises in abstraction by Zen Buddhist monks.

Its absolute simplicity probably makes it the supreme example of a dry landscape garden, particularly in its use of the sacred island theme.

As the Sakutei-ki puts it: "Think over the famous places of scenic beauty throughout the land and by making it your own that which appeals to you most, design your garden with the mood of harmony, modelling after the general air of such places".

	Another view of the garden. Photo : Claude Gagné

Perhaps the creator of Ryoan-ji wanted visitors, by contemplating this barren composition, to reflect on the essence of the eternal Japan, the highest emotion they could wish from their gardens.

Or perhaps he wanted to express the inner mystery in each of us-for no matter where one stands to admire the garden, one of the 15 rocks is hidden.

Approaching Ryoan-ji garden.. Photo : Sophie Lambert

Despite the many learned analyses of the meaning of Ryoan-ji, the garden remains a mystery.

But then, is it always so important to understand everything?

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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