Zen Gardens or dry gardens "kare-sansui" are large outdoor gardens found near temples or monasteries in Japan and are thought to encourage inner contemplation. The sand represents the ocean and the rocks, mountains or islands; the rake is used create ripples in this ocean.

In this instructable I will show you how to make little indoor Zen Gardens that can be kept on your desk at work or in your home to relieve stress and help create a calm and clear mind.

I have also included an unorthodox version more suited to the daydreamer than the meditator which I call the Zen Beach. It is good for remembrance of summers past or tropical getaways we dream of taking(but can't afford). In this version there is no symbolic meaning to each of the elements -the sand is just the sand and the beach ball is merely a beach ball. Drinking a few margaritas or mojitos may enhance the experience.

Step 1: Materials:

What you need:

Saucer -I used a 12cm diameter (and 1cm deep) terracotta saucer from a terracotta plant pot ~50cents each
Bamboo skewers
Craft paint and paintbrush
Sand and pebbles -you can get these at a craft store, gardening store, pet store, or a beach or playground
Glue
Knife or scissors

Beach version

Cocktail drink umbrellas (I got mine at the dollar store)
Fabric - not very much, just about 2X3 cm square
a bead
blue and white paint, brushes and felt pens

Step 2: The Saucer

Paint your saucer the desired colour. I choose a deep forest green for the Zen garden to create the feel of tranquility as only green can do.
For the Zen Beach I choose a light blue, giving it the impression of sky or water.
Apply one or more coats as necessary to cover the inside and outside of the saucer.

Step 3: The Rake

With a sharp knife or scissors cut the bamboo skewer the following lengths:

6cm -the handle
2cm -the base of the fork
4X 1cm of the pointed part of the skewers -for the prongs

Once the prongs are cut, take another 1/4cm off the pointy end (we are making a rake not a weapon).

Now; glue all four prongs to the 2cm long base of the fork. When glue dries, glue the handle to the base of the fork; such that it runs perpendicular to the prongs (see images below).

Step 4: Zen Garden; Putting It Together

Pour sand into the saucer, about 3/4 full.

Select the 3 pebbles that you would like to use, they can vary in size and shape, pick which ones are aesthetically pleasing to you. Using 3 pebbles creates asymmetry which implies that there is no perfection in the world, which is important in Buddhist thought.

Rake your sand and place the pebbles. You can rake straight lines or draw circles around the pebbles to create the appearance of ripples caused by dropping a pebble into water.

Step 5: Zen Beach Ball

Fill in the two holes of the bead with glue, dab the glue over the holes and once it dried a bit press it into the holes so that it was flush with the surface.
Once the glue is completely dry, paint the bead with white craft paint, do one side at a time.
When the paint is dry, with felt pens, draw in stripes on the bead to make it look like a beach ball, I used red, blue, green, and yellow.

Step 6: Zen Beach Umbrella and Blanket

Beach blanket

With scissors cut a piece of fabric, 2X3cm square. Try to avoid getting frayed edges.

Beach umbrella

The drink umbrellas are a bit too tall to stand properly in this sand, so cut about three centimeters off the handle.

Step 7: Zen Beach; Putting It Together

Make the same rake used in the Zen Garden -see step 3.
Pour sand into the saucer about 3/4 full, and rake it.
Place your umbrella and beach blanket so that you are protected from the sun and keep your beach ball close, for when you would like play in the water.