Japanese gardens are not designed by cutting and pasting various components onto the landscape. The whole garden is composed in a way that makes the most of each element’s particular features, such as the shape of a rock or how a certain tree bends.
What does it mean to make the most of an element in a garden?
Let’s say that a garden will have several trees in it. We cannot simply plant the trees and be done with it. It’s important to identify the ideal shape of each tree.
What kind of mood does this particular tree have? How should we plant this tree—in which position, and facing in which direction—in order to bring out its most attractive qualities?
In other words, we must appreciate the individuality of every tree and then coax it into expression. By understanding a tree’s essence, we can bring it into harmony with the other elements of the garden.
The same goes for relationships among people.
We must recognize the individuality of ourselves and of others in order to get along. This is not to say that you must adapt to someone else, but by focusing on others’ merits, you can create a beautiful relationship.