Gardens of Transcendence: Religious Symbolism and Spiritual Aesthetics in the New Su Style Garden Tradition

European Journal for Philosophy of Religion 17 (2):401-436 (2025)
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Abstract

Gardens have long been spaces of spiritual reflection, philosophical contemplation, and religious symbolism, serving as sacred sites that connect humanity with nature, transcendence, and cosmic harmony. This study examines the spiritual and metaphysical dimensions of the _New Su Style Garden_, focusing on the application of artistic conception techniques and symbolic vocabulary in the expression of sacred space. By exploring the ways in which these gardens integrate classical Su-style principles with modern innovation, this research highlights how spatial aesthetics and symbolic meaning contribute to a deeper engagement with religious and philosophical thought. While rooted in the heritage of classical Chinese gardens, the _New Su Style Garden_ extends beyond mere architectural form to embody Daoist, Confucian, and Buddhist cosmological principles. Through qualitative research methods, including field investigation and literature analysis, this study takes the _spirit of place_ as a central theme in examining how garden spaces evoke transcendental experiences. The research investigates the artistic techniques used to shape spiritual atmospheres in contemporary garden design, illustrating how pathways, water elements, and symbolic structures align with notions of balance, impermanence, and meditative harmony. Furthermore, by analyzing the role of symbolic interpretation in these gardens, this paper explores how visual metaphors—such as bridges representing spiritual transition or rocks symbolizing permanence and change—serve as conduits for religious and philosophical reflection. This study argues that the _New Su Style Garden_ is not merely an aesthetic innovation but also a contemporary manifestation of sacred space, blending artistic tradition with spiritual symbolism to foster a renewed connection between humanity and the metaphysical order. By examining the intersection of religious philosophy, artistic conception, and cultural inheritance, this paper provides insights into the role of garden spaces as places of spiritual retreat and existential contemplation. Future research should further explore how contemporary garden design continues to serve as a medium for theological and philosophical engagement, shaping the way individuals experience sacredness and transcendence in modern landscapes.

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