In Japanese literature throughout history, there tends to be an idea of nature that is not nature as it really is, but is a projection of the subjective self. This is portrayed through the concept of Mappō. Mappō in Japanese Buddhism, is the age of the degeneration of the Buddha’s law, when only the teachings remained, the practices were no longer pursued, and enlightenment was a mere word. This is a concept that has substance, especially when combined with mujō, the idea of impermanence. Mujō became
Zen Gardens Zen Buddhism began to show up in Japan during the eighth century. It went through various periods of popularity and disregard, but constituted one of the most important influences on Japanese culture. All Buddhist temples include gardens. The first temple gardens evolved from well-groomed landscaping around Shinto shrines. Later, the gates and grounds surrounding Buddhist temples began to use gardens to beautify the temple, similar to the Heian mansion gardens