☞Zazen meditation and Shakyo (Sutra copying)☜
Leave your daily life behind, forget the flow of time and connect with the natural world.
Zen Buddhism has been a cornerstone of Japanese life and culture for thousands of years. The ancient practice of zazen will provide its practitioners with a unique, quiet reprieve from the rigors of daily life. Recently, more and more people are incorporating the ideas of Zen Buddhism into their lives as part of their spiritual training. Connect with yourself by experiencing these spiritual practices at the ancient Mineji Temple in Unnan, Shimane.
The temple is situated on the top of an untouched, woody mountain away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Come face-to-face with sculptures of gods and Bodhisattva (Buddha) when you enter. The well-kept Japanese-style garden brings an added grandeur to the complex. Monk Matsura welcomes you warmly as you come in and explains the concepts of zazen and shakiyo.
The first step is the shakyo. You will write, or trace sutras on a translucent sheet of traditional washi paper, which have been made for generations by local craftsman and now produced by the only surviving local atelier Idani. Unlike other zazen mediation centers, at Mineji Temple you get this unique experience of writing the sutra in hiragana instead of kanji. After finishing the shakyo writing the zazen meditation session will begin. A single session lasts the length of one burning incense stick (itchu), or roughly 30 minutes, depending on how long it takes. Mineji Temple zazen practice differs from all the other places in several aspects. You can sit in any way that is comfortable for you. Normally a priest would strike meditators on the shoulders to call attention to poor posture, bringing a wandering mind into the present, however not here. Visitors can also choose to take their copied sutra home as a special souvenir. Your session will conclude with an elegant cup of maccha (Japanese green tea) while discussing your meditation experience.
Highlights
• Feel the sense of calm and clarity by meditating in an untouched, noise-free, natural environment.
• Awake your inner self under the guidance of priest Matsura.
• Discuss your meditation program or ask anything you want to know about Buddhism.
• Write shakyo in hiragana.
• Experience the feeling of vastness and be in the now.
Program of zazen meditation-
• Arrive at Mineji temple and feel the elegant natural surroundings.
• Meet the priest Matsura.
• Get a brief explanation about zazen meditation and shakyo writing.
• Start shakyo writing.
• After you have finished you can go to the meditation room and sit on tatami mats and wait until your fellows finish their writing.
• Start Zazen meditation when the priest gives the signal.
• The session will last until one incense stick is completely burned (approximately 30 minutes)
• Discuss your personal zazen experience while having Japanese tea.
• Be guided in basic zazen meditation practices to be able to train yourselves in the future at home and feel a continuous inner peace.