Japanese Culture Dry-Landscape Garden Shinto: gardens capture the spirit of nature and replicates the natural world Japan’s Geography: The rocks represent mountains, the raking of the stones creates water like patterns, the small size reflects limited space in Japan Zen Buddhism: recreates the natural world with simplicity and produces a meditative calm and invites contemplation

Act. 4.2 Japanese Culture Ikebana (flower arrangement) Shinto: shows reverence for nature; the seasonal flowers are arranged to recreate the natural world Japan’s Geography: seasonal trees and flowers show time and season as well as the beauty of the growth process Zen Buddhism: inspires tranquility and peace of mind; is purposely simple and uncluttered—like the state of mind during meditation

Japanese Culture Japanese Houses Shinto: Designed to keep the natural world close by having its main room, the zashiki, face and open out to the garden; has ikebana and seasonal hanging scroll to reflect the Japanese reverence for nature Japan’s Geography: Homes are designed to keep occupants cool when days are hot and humid Zen Buddhism: simple furnishings, ikebana, openness, crisp lines—produce a calm feeling and a non-distracting environment

Japanese Culture Chanoyu—Tea Ceremony Shinto: guests are led to the tea room through a garden Japan’s Geography: tatami mats, flower arrangements, and the tea itself reflect Japan’s natural resources and the small room reflects use of space Zen Buddhism: the ceremony reveres simple and selfless tasks; the décor and gestures used in the ceremony reflect the harmony of the moment and the beauty of simple things