The Japanese Garden
Maitreya's main aim in creating the garden was to provide a peaceful, beautiful area which guests and visitors to the centre could enjoy. So in 1980 he began the process of transforming two acres of flat field and wilderness into a Japanese garden.
With no previous gardening experience, he plunged into the task, feeling his way as he went along. As North Clifton was in a flat area, Maitreya missed the hilly and mountainous scenery of Japan and so started to create his own in miniature. The earth dug out by the JCB in order to create the pond was heaped roughly into 'hills' to be shaped by hand later. The large stones came mostly from a quarry in Derby and these were spaced out around the pond area to be positioned meditatively and harmoniously one by one. The winding paths took their lead from the positioning of rocks. Then, little by little, the other features were added from the Japanese repertoire of traditional garden elements such as water, carp, bridges, moss, bamboo, evergreens, maples, cherry, stone lanterns, etc... to be blended with a dash of English plants and elements too. A case of East and West in radiant harmony!
Many plants were given by friends and villagers, and local farmers helped with the task of ferrying stones. The small pagoda was built using scrap materials he found in the out-buildings, a Zen garden, which consists of rocks and chipped marble, has been completed and a Japanese Tea House for tea ceremony use. Now the world's first - we believe - glittering crystal garden has been completed.
On Sunday, May 12th 2013 Maitreya opened the world's first crystal garden in his Japanese garden. The day was well attended and he gave a talk before the grand unveiling. Since Maitreya first had the idea of creating the crystal garden, it has taken four years of devoted work.
Maitreya says: "The essence of the crystal garden is for spiritual inspiration, to bring awareness of the beauty of Life and the miracle of creation. When we are aware of Life, which all creation is, we realize the Truth of our self. Without appreciation there is no respect of Life and we are lead by ignorance, greed and fear, which makes our life frustrating and we feel discontent. "When we have awareness of Life and its wonder we respect all life, all beings, and our self. When we love our self, we love all".
The crystal garden is Maitreya's expression of the beauty of nature and harmony of creation; mountains, a river, fields, and an ocean are created by countless crystals, gems and precious stones. It is symbolic of how beautiful the universe is.
Buddha Maitreya has received numerous awards in creating the stunning garden in addition to his contribution to spiritual development:
BA Award for Horticulture - 2008
Businessman of the Year - 2008
Healthy Living Award - 2009
Lifetime Achievement Award - 2009
Mind, Body and Spirit Award - 2010
Certificate for Excellence for Inspirational Man of the Year 2012
The garden has been featured many times on television, magazines, newspapers and books, including:
Britain's Best Back Gardens (ITV/Spun Gold TV)
A Garden fit for a Buddha (Radio Times)
The Inspirational Garden (AA Books)
The Good Gardens Guide (Readers Digest)
The Most Amazing Gardens to Visit in Britain (Readers Digest)
Maitreya writes about the Crystal Garden:
I saw the truth of the universe at the moment of enlightenment, that was the pure light and its manifestation. I found the universe was mighty energy and its crystallization that was a miracle, absolute wonder.
I love crystal and was thinking to create a garden with crystal for some time, but I did not know how. One day, around ten years ago, an idea came to my mind, “I can make a mini universe in crystals”, and I plunged into the task.
First, I built a large greenhouse-style building with a Japanese touch, using thick reclaimed pitch pine to house it. That took three years. Then I purchased tons of crystals of all sizes, kinds and colours.
I designed the crystal garden with the idea of the natural world representing the universe. It consists of mountains and rivers, hills and forests, fields and oceans. I set each crystal one by one, tens of thousands of them, in a concrete foundation with mortar. This took me seven years.
People often ask me, “where have you collected all these crystals?” I reply, “I didn’t collect them, but instead I bought them in bulk in one go at the wholesale place, they were delivered by truck.” If I collected them it would have taken three centuries!
Now it is there, a “universe” made from crystals, sparkling and emanating dazzling beauty and healing energy. People are amazed by the sight, being struck with awe as they enter.
I was so proud of my work that I applied to the Guinness book of records. Soon they replied saying, “It could not be listed in the book as there was nothing to compare it to.” I was disheartened a little, but realised it was an assurance by this authority that it might not be the number one, but it is the only one.
I suspect nobody has made a crystal garden because no one has thought of creating the universe!
Maitreya
15.09.2017
