|
*click on any stone in the photo above for a description of that stone *
Each Water Dragon Rock Garden is custom designed by Kathleen Kimball using
her vast knowledge of Japanese culture. First, she performs a detailed
geomantic analysis of the property. Then she surveys available rocks from the
area. Using available earth moving equipment she precisely places each stone
into its proper position; in correct correlation with each other, the
property, the family, and the universe. One observer described the final
installation as "the most exhilarating experience that I have ever
had."
About Japanese Rock Gardens
From the dawn of consciousness, through the megalithic era,
and right up to western tombstones, the presence of rock has linked man with
heaven and earth. In the far east, it was believed that the energy and
attributes of the stones were transferred to their owners.
The oldest gardening manual in the world was Chinese; it
was translated into Japanese. Although the original Chinese was lost, the
Japanese was translated into English during this century. Hence, the garden
design rests upon principles that are thousands of years old. In this
landscape architectural system there are over 800 kinds of stones, which are
categorized based upon the color, shape, compass point they sit in,
relationship to one another, etc.
About the Garden of Good Fortune in New
Hampshire
The thirteen major stones in this traditional garden are all from the
property and collectively weigh about 65 ton. Each has a name and purpose.
Plantings, such as junipers, heathers, Japanese holly and vinca, emphasize
various textures and shades of gray and green. Besides the usual gravel rivers
and ponds, there is a fish shaped herb bed, suggesting that a fish is swimming
from the pond to a family tree. These features are not shown in the picture.
The Meaning of Each Stone
At the top in the northwest section of the property, they
are like twelve islands rising from the mountain lake. The "lake" is
gravel, a metaphor for water. The mountain streams flow until they coalesce
into the "pond" at the base of the mountain. It is here that they
encounter the WATER DIVIDING STONE (not pictured), meant to ensure a
harmonious distribution of energy and wealth. The stones are identified as:
|
|
This is the largest stone, and
by tradition must be placed first. It serves to protect the longevity
and spiritual power of the owner. |
|
|
This particular respect and
affection stone is known also as the eldest son, thunder, and the
arousing. It governs and sits in the east. |
|
|
Also called the youngest
daughter, this respect and affection stone is here paired with the
eldest son. It contains joyousness and is called the smiling lake. It
governs and sits in the west. |
|
|
|
|
|
The rock of the spirit kings
is accompanied by venerable seating stones. In the customs of late
20th century America, this triad functions as something like a picnic
table and chairs. Since where the sun goes down is considered the
place of rest, this group sits together in the west. The rock of the
spirit kings carries weight and strength. |
|
|
|
|
This stone serves as counsel
to the rocks. |
|
|
Traditionally, the north is
associated with, among other things, danger, career, and hearing. The
listening ear of the north hears everything and, therefore, is in a
position to defend and protect. |
|
|
This wealth accumulation stone
sits in the position it governs, the southeast. |
|
|
The sage stands apart from the
world of rocks and men, and yet is a source of wisdom. For example,
when a fool combines fire and water he is burned by the steam. A wise
use of fire and water produces a good cup of tea. Here the sage is
grouped with fire and water stones. |
|
|
This career stone ensures
success; the stone is swimming to the north. |
|
|
This stone is shaped something
like the state of New Hampshire, and it points to the south, where
fire governs. Like a hearth fire, its melting warmth moves energy. |
*There are two 'respect
and affection
stones' - one is the eldest son, chen, the larger of the two rocks before the
never aging master rock - he sits in the east and represents the eldest son,
thunder & lightning (the Chinese say, 'god comes for in the sign of the
arousing', i.e.thunder & lightning). The other respect and affection stone
is the youngest daughter, tui, the joyous lake. she is in the west (on the
left side) and a bit smaller. What we see is the harmonious presence (union)
of male and female, youngest and oldest, which is achieved through respect and
affection.
**There are two 'venerable
seating
stones' which are both in the west, the place for rest. they honor the 'rock
of the spirit kings' which is a stone of stable power and earth chi.
|