Zen gardens, those wonderful treasures of Japan, can be enjoyed in several ways: as pure abstract works of art; as representations of Zen principles; or as tools to transport one's mind from the cares of everyday life to a higher state of consciousness.

Japanese Zen gardens were originally inspired by sumi-e ink paintings and garden designs brought over from China after the re-establishment of diplomatic relations during the Kamakura and Muromachi periods. Essential elements of these imports, such as the use of negative space, simplicity, rusticity, understatement and yugen (the expression of deep mystery), are all invoked in Zen gardens. It is important to remember, however, that while many things -- from garden designs to electronics -- have been imported to Japan, the nation has excelled at developing them to a level that often surpasses the originals. Though many of the concepts important in Japanese culture are not unique to either Zen or Japan, they are definitely more prevalent and powerful here.

A key difference between Zen gardens and their Western counterparts is that the visitor is not expected to enter the garden but rather simply to enjoy it from a designated viewing place. Also, symmetrical compositions are eschewed in favor of a taut yet fragile balance that takes a lifetime to perfect. A dark and heavy element on one side of a garden may be balanced with something light and empty on the other side, emphasizing the beauty of yohaku (extra white) or mu (literally "empty plus").