Ryoanji Stone Garden

The Stone Garden or Dry Garden is a type of traditional Japanese garden. A vivid example of such a structure can be considered the Stone Garden in the Buddhist temple of Ryoanji. It was founded in 1499 by the master Soami.

As in any other stone garden, the landscape of Ryoanji Garden is made according to certain rules. The flat area of the garden is covered with white gravel, on which there are fifteen rough stones of black color. All of them are organized into 5 groups, 3 stones each. The stones are arranged in such a way that it is impossible to see all 15 at the same time. Whatever angle you take, one of the stones will always be hidden. The only way to see all 15 is to soar above the garden. That is why it is believed that only one who has attained enlightenment can see all the stones.