Jean-Claude Van Damme famously said about 15 years ago : “I love water, in 20 or 30 years there won't be any more.”
Recently, G7 countries have faced the harsh realities of drought and water restrictions, significantly impacting local vegetation and ecosystems. Barcelona, Spain, for instance, has introduced strict water use restrictions due to an impending drought emergency. Similarly, Tuscany in northern Italy and certain areas in France have endured severe water shortages, with France experiencing its driest winter since 1969, leading to the desiccation of once-thriving lakes and landscapes.
This growing concern over water scarcity highlights the relevance and wisdom of traditional practices like the Japanese Karesansui (枯山水), or Zen gardens, which literally means "dry mountain and water." Designed with rocks, sand, and gravel, these gardens ingeniously represent natural landscapes without using water. Amid current environmental challenges, the Karesansui approach offers a sustainable model for beauty and serenity in garden design, requiring minimal water resources.
Traditionally, Japanese gardens symbolically represent natural elements, such as viewing ponds and springs as stand-ins for the sea. Karesansui is considered an advanced development of this symbolic thinking. Rather than realistically depicting nature, the idea is to use sand to symbolize the sea, rocks to mimic waterfalls, etc., creating a worldview that embodies a profound philosophy, akin to contemporary art.
A crucial aspect of Karesansui composition is the strategic use of empty space, suggesting that more empty space can convey a greater expanse. Interestingly, this principle also applies to calligraphy, where empty space is highly valued. Occupying a large area with emptiness requires courage, but in my view, the appreciation of the beauty of blank spaces is considered the essence of this art form.
As droughts impact some of the world's most developed nations, it becomes urgent to consider adaptive and sustainable practices in many life aspects, including gardening and landscaping. The Karesansui philosophy presents an aesthetic that harmonizes with nature and serves as a poignant reminder of our need to adapt to our planet's changing climate and resources.
This blend of traditional wisdom and contemporary challenges could spur highly creative solutions. Let's explore and appreciate the beauty and sustainability inherent in Karesansui gardens, possibly integrating similar principles into our environments to foster a more sustainable and water-conscious approach to life.
Comments