The Symbolism of the Splash Stone
True traditional Japanese waterfalls are constructed so that the water falls in a certain way.
First of all the fallof water is usually framed by tall, vertical rocks and broken by a single big flat stone at the bottom of the composition. This “splash stone,” which divides and spreads the water at the point that it enters the pond or stream, not only adds visual interest to the way the water cascades into a pond.
Even more importantly but also serves a symbolic purpose, The splash stone is symbolic the carp that attempts to swim upstream. This is common Chinese and Japanese metaphor for the individual aspiring to a higher existence In the language of the metaphor, the carp aspires to become a dragon. This is why waterfalls that are braced by two vertical rocks and have a splash rock are referred to as ryumon-no-taki, or “Dragon Gate Waterfall.”
Peace Be Still Sam