Do the elements feature in Japanese belief? plan for garden.

[TheDarxide]

I am creating a kata/practice area in my new garden, and I am planning on having a circular slab at the centre, with concentric rings around broken up in a fashion similar to the korean flag (but pefectly circular)

I was planning on having a pillar at 'corners', each with something on top, perhaps representing the four elements, fire, water, earth and wind.

But I want to keep the meaning and representation true, rather than just being bits of mythology that have been mashed together.

Does anyone have any ideas, opinions?

[cathal]

In my dojo, the heians are based on the elements. Earth, Water, Fire, and Air in order from Heian 1 to Heian 4. Heian Godan is referred to as the void kata.

[dtstiachi]

If you wanted to keep with the earth, fire, wind, and water theme, why don't you try a torch, a flag or weathervein, a glass or basin of water, and some potted plant for soil on the top of each pillar? This is just a suggestion.

[honour is life]

it may cost a little more but how about having a slab of stone engraved with the japanese/chinese symbols for the 4 elements. (can be seen in many places: book of 5 rings) and placed; facing inwards to the center on the pillars?

[TheDarxide]

thanks for the replies; i eventually found a labelled diagram of the think on the korean flag in a feng shui book, there's some duplications like water and lake, but i'll figure something out.