Ryoan-ji (meaning “The Temple of the Peaceful Dragon”) is the archetypal Japanese rock garden. The small table top rock gardens that have become popular owe their inspiration in part to the 15th century anonymous karesansui masterpiece of Ryoan-ji. The garden has a unique axial configuration, so that, from any fixed point on the ground, one cannot see all of the stones in the garden. It is the ultimate rock garden of contemplation.

For More:
Profile at JGarden.org
Article from New
Scientist about Ryoan-ji’s appeal
Article about adding elements of Zen Garden design to
garden projects