Zen philosophy and aesthetics have a profound influence on Japanese gardens. The concepts of Wabi and Sabi and minamilism, which characterise Japanese garden design, are at the very heart of Zen. Here are just a few gems from great Masters which typify this philosophy and approach to life - 'For peaceful meditation, we need not go to the mountains and streams, when thoughts are quietened down, fire itself is cool and refreshing.' Zen master Kwaizen 1580. 'Elevate the quality of living, not the standard of living.' Suzuki, Zen and Materialism. 'Nature lives in us and we live in Nature.' Suzuki, Love of Nature. 'Little flower - but if I could understand What you are, root and all, and all in all I should know what God and man is .....' Tennyson A very good article on Wabi - Sabi can be found on this link www.hermitary.com/solitude/wabisabi.html