HUNDRED BLESSINGS = 100 “福” Ever since China established its own writing system thousands of years ago, the character “福” “Fu” has existed. In the ancient oracle-bone inscription, “Fu” meant “Offering food and wine to the gods with both hands.” The ancients carried out this ritual by praying to heaven and worshiping the gods, seeking peace and joy. Thus, “Fu” has come to be defined as “blessing”. It is the most auspicious word among the Chinese and is the ultimate good luck character which also means good fortune and wealth. Did you know? Imagination has led to the creation of many artistic versions of the character for good luck. Some of the designs are based on the ancient seal form of the character. 99 types of character for the same word were created together with the original one in the centre that makes the 100 blessings picture on the wall of our staircase at Zen Garden. Using a Chinese lucky character is a wonderful way of enhancing good feelings and luck into our lives. The picture serves to invoke 100 blessings to our customers who come to Zen Garden and may good fortune be bestowed upon you all.

A Zen garden within Zen Garden was created to give our customers a sense of order and harmony as that space aims to represent a metaphorical impression of the natural world. The intent is to require the viewer to observe the garden from a specific vantage point so that the symbolism of the garden landscape is apparent, and its meditative focus fully appreciated. The layout and groups of plants are all subtle and pleasing. The illusion of depth and space are created through the placement of elements – an attempt to convey Zen concept of discipline, self-examination and ultimate enlightenment.
All elements that we have placed in the garden -large solitary rocks, plants, bamboo and boulders are set among the fountains to represent mountains and rivers together with the stone lanterns to give a sense of Zen feel– these are silent spaces. There was a saying:
“for a man who must always be on guard, even when sitting in a meditation hall, it must be very relaxing to sit in a garden with a wide clear view, feel the breeze, and look at nothing except the patterns of sunlight on mossy stone, thus the Zen Garden was born.”
All elements have a purpose, for example, water is the provider of life while rocks create dimension and reflect the scale of time that provide presence and energy. Others add atmosphere to the garden to serve as a focal point and create a sense of distance.
The respectfulness of nature is something that we all are just now beginning to embrace. Just by watching the gently flowing water can allow for reflection and help calm nerves and anxiety. the ambrosia of eternity pouring into the field of time. The endless flowing………, the continuous flowing……, represents the eternal nature of this mystical dimension and the infinite nature of its source. Namaste! 😊