A zen garden is usually relatively small, surrounded by a wall, and is usually meant to be seen while seated from a single viewpoint. Classical zen gardens were created at temples of Zen Buddhism in Kyoto, Japan during the Muromachi Period. They were intended to imitate the intimate essence of nature, not it's actual appearance, and to serve an aid to meditation about the true meaning of life. Sto
ne arrangements and other miniature elements are used to represent mountains and natural water elements and scenes, islands, rivers and waterfalls. When you rake the sand, stress diminishes as you attain a quiet focus. You can then return to your work feeling refreshed. The Mini Zen Garden is a handy way to escape the tensions of your ordinary life.
