The well-known temple garden at Ryoan-ji
was rebuilt in 1488 following its destruction
during the Onin War. The enigmatic
arrangement of rocks and sand occupies
a walled courtyard on the southern
side of the abbot’s quarters. The 15
rocks, unremarkable in themselves, are
arranged in fi ve groups that create a dynamic
spatial composition. Visual forces
are balanced in asymmetrical relationships
that can be perceived within each
group and within the total ensemble. The
meaning of the abstraction is unclear;
perhaps, in keeping with the spirit of Zen
inquiry, the interpretation is left to the
viewer.