Garden Design No. 25 - Temple Bells

When pursuing harmony and serenity we often believe it must be accompanied with silence. Scientifically a bell's ring clears our mind and helps us stay sharp and keep our concentration on devotional purpose while we are entering our inner sanctum. Hum?

The temple bell is rung once by those entering their temple to keep evil forces away and it is said the sound is pleasant to God. It's a favorable sound. That single dong. How wonderful would this be as an addition to our gardens? At its entrance it could be rung to give intention to our time we will spend in the gardens. Or perhaps it is hung further into the garden near our favorite mediation spot or where we "hide" from the day. 

And should a collection of temple bells be your display - how calming would it be to hear their song!

I feel your "temple" can be anywhere you create an environment that brings a space where one can reach that level of harmony - concentration to enlighten our soul. I love that a single sound that doesn't apologize for it's bold distinction clears our mind. I, for one need that. It is not the subtle whisper that aids in my disconnection from distraction - it is the strong announcement of a word or sound that proclaims it is time to take moments for myself. 

I look at the picture above and hear the song this collection of bells plays with a breeze being its conductor. I smile at the reflection from the sun of these bells on the rooftop. I dream about the saying I would etch in the pendulums hanging from the bells. And I find by breathing has calmed. Oh to be in the presence of this bell collection.

My love for secret hideaways sees a display of one's collection of temple bells creating a room divider in the garden. And I challenge the "wall" to be built even before the collection is complete to fill it. Why delay? Those empty areas will be filled in no time. Your soul will seek out the temple bells to fill it and they will find you.

"Today is only one day in all the days that will ever be. But what will happen in all the other days that ever come can depend on what you do today." (For Whom the Bell Tolls, 1940)

Sources: Viva Terra, Tumblr, Pinterest, Dutour Dumonde Photography, Science Behind Indian Culture, Ernest Hemingway