In a traditional Japanese dry landscape garden, the most revered and foundational stone is the tall, upright presence known as the Buddha stone—or the “male” stone. This commanding sentinel is always the first to be placed, setting the tone for the entire composition. The tall vertical stone - or standing stone - represents strength, presence, and is the axis of spiritual focus. But it’s more than just appearance that matters—the standing stone’s composition is also significant.

With steep, vertical lines and a grounding energy, it’s typically granite, basalt, or another dense igneous rock. These igneous rocks emit a subtle yet powerful magnetic energy, known as paramagnetism, believed to align with the earth’s natural force fields and lend a garden its quiet, resonant strength.

Understanding Paramagnetism

Paramagnetism is the subtle ability of certain materials to respond to the Earth’s magnetic fields with a gentle pull. Among these materials are igneous rocks like granite and basalt, whose mineral-rich composition gives them this energetic quality. Some gardening enthusiasts believe that, when ground into dust and added to the soil, these paramagnetic rocks can invigorate plant growth—energizing the ground beneath our feet.

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The idea that certain rocks have magnetic signatures challenges the perception that they are lifeless and inert. In fact, the Japanese standing stones’ paramagnetic nature resonates to the pull of the sun, moon and earth. This eye-opening concept may explain why standing stones in a garden are deemed to be beneficial by some cultures.

Paired with a Worshipping Stone