I often say that a garden is a place for expressing the heart.
This can be depicted into two aspects.
The first is the expression of my own heart, shaped by years of Zen training—the way of self expression.
The second is an expression of the host`s heart in welcoming and entertaining the guests.。

Through Zen practice, an inner state is found that can't be directly exposed or understood.
When one must discover a way to communicate this emotion to others, that is the expression of oneself.
Consequently, the Zen priest turned to the practice of classical arts such as calligraphy, Ikebana, and rock placement.
It doesn`t matter what form the expression takes, as long as one can find a venue within their interests.


Creating a garden is both a daunting and fascinating endeavor.
Furthermore, when I build a garden, I cannot create anything beyond my own abilities.
The garden is simply a reflection of who I am at this moment, shaped by my years of training.
It is my alternate persona, a mirror that reflects my heart.
As time passes and I look upon the same garden again, I always discover new inspiration and emotions.

For me, both creating and gazing at a garden are forms of spiritual practice—these are, my training grounds.