The Relationship Between Zen, the Karesansui, and Music: Ryōan-ji, a Case Study

Jin'anji is a Zen monastery in Kyoto established by Hosokawa Katsudado in 1450. It is known for its existing karesansui or dry beautiful garden. This is said to have been added by Masayoshi Hosokawa during the rebuilding of the monastery (Brinker 80) in 1488. Karesansui was used as a basic purpose of meditation for Zen priests. (Extended) John Cage is a composer from 1912 to 1992. He is known for his minimalist work and often explores various aspects of rhythm. In 1983, he began to write "Ryoanji" named after Jin'anji in Kyoto.

The Zen Garden is a classic Karesansui. The garden consists of sloping gravel and some large stones in the wall. In the entire small garden, there are original plants and specimens of wood, and more elaborate shrubs, mosses and flowers. The garden has been mainly used for meditation and I have not seen it. Zen Garden is Hakone's most intimate garden. Although it is not historical, KOzuna Park complements the personality and design of Hakone, symbolizing the friendly relationship between Saratoga and its sister city Muko City. This garden was built in 1987 and is provided by the Bamboo Association including valuable bamboo from Japan Yasui, California and various places in Japan and other countries.

Kinkakuji is a temple of Zen sect. Its history dates back to the 14th century. Yoshimitsu Ashikaga is owned by the wealthy and powerful Saikoji family who was originally acquired by Ashikaga Yoshimitsu - Ashikaga's Third Generals General Officer. When Somyo died in 1408, his son expressed a desire to transform the main villa in the mansion into a Zen Buddhist temple. The pavilion of a three-story temple was rebuilt in 1955, and although there may be more gold leaf, it is believed to be the original relatively faithful reconstruction. The gilt decoration shows the love of visual excessive feeling in the Muromachi period, but at the same time it is also to purify the negative thought of the worshiper for death.

To increase people's participation in Zen, the Myoshinji Rikkyu Buddhist Temple founded "Tokyo Zen Center" near Ryuunji Temple in Tokyo in 2005. Here you can practice meditation in a carpeted room instead of tatami. The basic course begins with meditation, after that, the meditation class of 15 minutes is divided into three groups, and the tea ceremony (including tea and snacks) is completed. "We want people to experience more meditation, and if they are interested and want to know more, I hope that they can join our Zen meditation team." After visiting Zenji as a tourist, many international students and company interns are interested in Zen and are more interested in meditation.