Niwa, or Japanese garden, actually means “Pure Place” and is meant to represent a pure and beautiful place that you can always come to, regardless of what is going on in the chaotic world or in your busy life. It is not an escape, but a place to recenter and refresh.
According to Japanese art specialist Dr. Lennox Tierney there are 7 zen principles related to the Niwa, or Japanese garden...
Video and info by Joshua Minier, PhD. / Shizen Style
0:00 - Niwa (Pure Place)
1:06 - Yugen (Hinting at or alluding to the profound, not obvious)
1:53 - Shizen (Natural without pretense)
2:36 - Kanso (Simplicity)
3:12 - Fukinsei (Asymmetry, irregularity)
4:22 - Koko (Matured, weathered, stoic)
4:59 - Datsuzoku (Surprise, breaking form the routine)
5:46 - Seijaku (Solitide, tranquilty)