November 2, 2006

Tower Garden: Taniguchi Garden

 

The fast-paced, often stressful attitude that most Americans adopt leads humans farther and farther away from their center everytime another meeting is scheduled, another project is assigned, another self-induced stress is taken on. Sometimes we get so caught up in doing things, activities, and other ultimately insignificant acts, we lose sight of ourselves and the big picture of life. As Isamu Taniguchi put it, "Throughout the evolutionary progress of mankind on earth, we have experienced a struggle of existence in which we have lost this sensitivity or humanity," referring to the "pure appreciation" of life (Taniguchi, Bump 769). As Pallavi noted, the stuffy indoor life often leaves us pining for the peaceful, unfettered outdoors.
               
Through gardens, humans can regain their peace of mind and reconnect with their roots. In slowing down, literally and metaphorically, we can stop, take a breath, and appreciate genuine, raw beauty in nature. In creating Taniguchi Garden, Taniguchu's goal was that "By observing the genuine peaceful nature of the garden, I believe that we should be able to knock on the door of our conscience," and ultimately rediscover our centers (Taniguchi, Bump 769). Often, a brief reality check reminding us not to get sucked into the whirlwind of society that embodies everything that contrdicts nature is necessary; gardens provide that reality check.