Sound of Cherry Blossoms: Zen Lessons from the Garden on Contemplative Design

Contemplative design and Zen teachings–a look at how we can transform our lives and our work through the lens of Japanese garden design.

Garden design is the way of discovering the garden. And the Garden is a metaphor for life itself.

At the heart of this practice, and this book, is a question, Once we are aware of our own habitual patterns and the patterns of the environment, how do we design and build a place that is sacred, sustainable, adaptive, inspiring, and holy? This book explores the answer and offers insights and tools for gardeners, designers in all disciplines, and anyone looking for fresh perspectives on bringing harmony and balance to their lives.

Part garden design philosophy and part Zen Buddhism, this book carefully and eloquently shows us how the principles of garden design are the same guidelines we can follow to design our life. Design work is intentional. If we approach our work in the garden, or in our life, through the practice of contemplative design, Martin Hakubai Mosko shows us that by working with more awareness and understanding of our materials–the rules and elements that make up our design–we can elevate the whole; we can unite the spiritual with the ordinary, we can join heaven and earth.