Outside the Box*: “Dream Window”
“Renowned for their beauty, Japanese gardens have been retreats for people to rediscover the natural world and themselves for more than 1,000 years. For the film’s producers, an intimate look at the gardens provided an unusual opportunity to shed new light on Japanese culture.
Japanese garden design may seem sparse to many Westerners. But if you look at the basic purpose of the garden, you can begin to understand why. For the Japanese, gardens are meccas of meditation and repose where the senses are free from distractions.
To accomplish this, the Japanese replicate nature, using very specific materials.”
“Dream Window”
Reflections on the Japanese Garden
Smithsonian Productions
Crossposted at Moleskinerie.com
*OUTSIDE THE BOX. An occasional series of thoughts and images. A breathing space. Because we can’t be shopping all the time:) Submissions are welcome.
I stumbled across your blog while I was doing some online research. As someone who had the privilege of living in Japan for a number of years prior to returning to the United States, I have experienced firsthand the beauty and serenity of the Japanese garden. I am overjoyed that they are beginning to be recognized and emulated worldwide.