A Zen Life in Nature: Muso Soseki in His Gardens: 56 (Michigan Monograph Series in Japanese Studies) - Softcover

Davidson, Keir

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1929280416 ISBN 13: 9781929280414

Publisher: University of Michigan Press, 2007

Synopsis

A Zen Life in Nature examines the design style and aesthetic of the medieval Japanese Zen monk Musō Soseki (1275–1351), who built gardens as places to meditate and to escape his busy public life. The book begins with a discussion of Soseki’s rural upbringing and spiritual background, his quest for enlightenment as a Zen monk, and his role as mediator in the turbulent times that surrounded the Kemmu Restoration and the establishment of the Ashikaga shogunate. Other chapters look in detail at the spiritual and cultural influences that are crucial to understanding Soseki’s artistic and design sense and the development of his garden building. Finally, the book provides a detailed look at the beautiful Upper Garden at Saihōji, built by Soseki in 1339. A Zen Life in Nature should appeal to a broad audience, including students of medieval Japanese history and religion, those interested in Zen Buddhism and Zen gardens, and people with an interest in garden design.

About this title

About the Author

Keir Davidson, a landscape gardener for many years, is the author of books on the planning and construction of gardens including The Art of Zen Gardens (1983) and, with Daniel Roberts, Garden Planning and Construction (1983).

Edition details

• Publisher: University of Michigan Press
• Publication date: 2007
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1929280416
• ISBN 13: 9781929280414
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 310