Bridge in Zen garden, Ref. 8615

The bridge in a Zen garden is a symbol of transition and connection, spiritual path and awareness. It embodies the idea that a person, crossing the bridge, moves towards harmony, towards their true self, towards enlightenment.

The bridge symbolizes the transition from one state to another:
- from the mundane to the spiritual,
- from illusions to enlightenment,
- from vanity to peace.
In the Zen tradition, the very process of crossing the bridge is an act of meditation: each step reminds us of a person's inner journey.

The bridge connects the banks, which is interpreted as:
- the connection between the earthly and the heavenly,
- between the conscious and the subconscious,
- between man and nature.
It shows that opposites are inseparable and coexist harmoniously.
Often the bridge is built over a pond or stream. Water symbolizes life and its flow, and the bridge is a way to pass through this flow without getting lost in the stream of thoughts and desires.
Sometimes this is interpreted as “the path to eternity” — above the changing flow of time.

In Japanese gardens, bridges lead to a tea house.
Such a transition signified purification before meeting with Tea (and therefore with Truth).
Crossing the bridge, a person left the worldly bustle behind.
The curved bridge symbolizes the difficulty of the path: crossing it requires concentration and attention. It is an image of spiritual discipline.
The straight bridge expresses the simplicity and directness of Zen practice: walking straight ahead, without detours.
A stone bridge embodies strength and eternity, while a wooden bridge embodies naturalness and fluidity.

The bridge is a point of contemplation; it can open up new perspectives on the garden.
In the spirit of Zen, it teaches that every transition (even a small one) is a practice of mindfulness.
It reminds us that life is a bridge, not a final destination: the main thing is to keep walking.

Figurine height: 25 mm
Material: composite