The Gardens of Paradise Talk

The Ecological Wisdoms of the Gardens of Paradise.

This illustrated lecture examines the importance of Nature in the Qur’an and how the Qur’an demonstrates a profound understanding of the close relationship between humankind and the natural environment. All of us may learn from this knowledge and understanding regardless of background, culture or creed. The talk introduces the principal elements of the traditional Islamic garden, in particular the chahar-bagh (4–fold garden) form associated with the Gardens of Paradise. The Qur’an’s descriptions of these Gardens (jannat al-firdaus) are viewed as the chief source of inspiration for their varied representation on earth. The speaker explores how an understanding of the principal elements, together with their integral spiritual symbolism may shed light upon the inherent ecological wisdom of the Islamic Gardens of Paradise. Learning something of this wisdom may encourage our own inner growth and transformation since – echoing the great Muslim philosopher and scientist Dr. Seyyed Hossein Nasr – in order to live in peace with Earth and Nature we need to be at peace with Heaven and within ourselves.
‍Emma Clark is a garden designer specialising in Islamic gardens with an emphasis on sustainable naturalistic planting. She designed the garden for the new Cambridge Mosque, UK, completed 2019. She is Senior Tutor on the Masters Programme at The King’s Foundation School of Traditional Arts in London where she focuses on teaching the principles of sacred and traditional art. Emma has published two books on Islamic gardens: The Art of the Islamic Garden (paperback edition 2010), and a monograph, 'Underneath Which Rivers Flow', The Symbolism of the Islamic Garden, (1996) as well as many articles on Islamic art and architecture, gardens and the garden carpet. She has been a member of the Academic Board of the Temenos Academy for over fifteen years, as well as a Trustee.

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