THE SPIRIT OF THE GARDEN - ISAMU TANIGUCHI

In viewing a picture, it may seem to express a deep maternal love or it may impress you as the stern expression of the paternal dignity. The perception results from an inner communion between the spirit of the observer and the spirit of the picture. In this same sense, even the common pebble on the path or the grass, trodden upon by man or run over by a wheel, in its own individuality attempts to communicate with the heart of man. There, if a man possess a pure or sensitive heart, the pebbles and the grass can reveal their beauty to his eyes.

When a man, with such pure appreciation in his peaceful mind, tries to compose with stones, grass and water in order to create one unified beauty – the formation is called a “garden.” In this context, the garden is the embodiment of the peaceful coexistence of all the elements of nature.

Throughout the evolutionary progress of mankind on this earth, we have experienced a struggle of existence in which we have lost this sensitivity or humanity. Today we have reached a point where we are facing a crisis in our existence brought about by this inhumane competition, as seen in the use of atomic radioactive weapons. Today we have lost the healing effect from that precious medicinal capsule which is our religious teachings.

It has been my wish that through the construction of this visible garden, I might provide a symbol of universal peace. By observing the genuine peaceful nature of the garden, I believe that we should be able to knock on the door of our conscience, which once was obliged to be the slave of the animal nature in man rather than of the humanity which resides on the other side of his heart. It is my desire for the peace of mankind which has endowed this man of old age the physical health and stamina to pile stone upon stone without a days absence from the work for the last eighteen months. It is my desire for the peace of mankind which encouraged me in my voluntary labor to complete the long-dreamed gift for the city of Austin – this “Oriental Garden.”

It may not be necessary to speak to the adults, but may I explain to those of the younger generation who might not as yet have learned from the social experience of today’s world, about this spirit of the garden?

The “Togetsu-kyo,” or the “bridge-to-walk-over-the-moon, “ personifies a poetic sensitivity of the ancient Orient. When a man walks across the bridge, he is accompanied by the (reflection of the) moon on the surface of the water as he proceeds. In other words, when you step on the bridge and watch the serene beauty of the moon, that same celestial object reflects itself in the water in order to reveal the ultimate universal beauty. As you move, the moon follows, crossing over the water.

Arriving at the other end of the bridge, you will discover pure, clean water splashing from a bamboo pipe. In the Orient, it symbolizes a gate at which you can wash your hands, soiled in worldly activities, and rinse your mouth, which may have spoken ill of others and cleanse your mind, which may have devised evil. This symbolic purification will lead you to a deeper appreciation of the garden – the symbol of peace.

This is similar to the Christian observance of baptism, and here we see the Oriental philosophy has a unity with that of the Westerner. The common implication here is that man does not exist long, so far as he possesses a man’s face but a beast’s heart. By discarding the latter and retaining his true humanity, man may exist as long as mother earth allows his habitation.

As an Oriental, I have come through the turmoil of the racial problems in the United States during the half of a century. Twenty-five years have passed since World War II and yet we see the harsh realities such as the injuries caused by radio-activity which cannot be erased. Is now not the time that all mankind should in retrospect of our past, be reborn from the beast’s nature – that yoke which has been our burden for several million years since the beginning of mankind in pre-history? Is now not the time when man may evolve from the beast nature toward the realm of true humanity?

It is my wish that you have pleasant communion with the spirit of the garden.