Connecting

The Zen garden as a conduit for experiencing the interplay of memory, time, and space.

By Takuma Ono

Zen gardens that capture the essence of riparian and tidal environments provide an incredibly powerful way to experience the interplay of memory, time, and space. Through their carefully arranged rocks, gravel, and plant life, these gardens embody both the tranquility and the dynamic forces of natural landscapes. This sensory experience invites viewers to become fully present, immersing them in a moment that links personal memory with the world around them. In doing so, these gardens highlight how places—particularly those connected to water—shape our sense of identity and our understanding of time. They create a profound bond between our inner lives and the external world.

Memory, both cognitive and embodied, plays a pivotal role in how we engage with the world. It is not merely a repository of past experiences; it acts as a compass, guiding us through broader temporal and spatial contexts. Memory enables us to reflect on events, people, places, and the cycles of nature, structuring our personal histories while helping us navigate the present. This dynamic relationship between memory, time, and space profoundly influences how we interpret and experience our surroundings.

By engaging with nature and the ever-changing rhythms of life, we gain a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of ecosystems. Memory connects us to a broader framework of time and space, allowing us to reflect on our place in the world and consider the long-term impact of our actions. This awareness fosters a sense of responsibility, urging us to make decisions that honor the well-being of future generations. I firmly believe that when such insights guide both personal and political choices, we can make sustainable decisions that prioritize the collective future. By aligning ourselves with the rhythms of nature, we can move beyond short-term, exploitative thinking and embrace choices that ensure the preservation of resources for the long haul. This approach—viewing landscape as a conduit for experiencing memory, time, and space—has the potential to cultivate a deep sense of stewardship, reinforcing humanity's crucial role as caretakers of the planet for generations to come.

Read my blog post on the tidal landscapes and why I think they are so foundational to Zen garden design here.