Taishu Zendo Zazen Sessions at Myoshin-ji

Before you go

Myoshin-ji's Taishu Zendo is a zazen gathering for the general public, run by the Myoshinji-ha Kyoka Center, and it now takes three different forms each month.

It used to meet once a month on no fixed date; it now meets about three times a month in three formats, all held in the evening. In the Teisho session, held on Saturday evenings, sitting alternates with a talk by a teacher — this is the Saturday-evening session the temple has run all along. After taking one's seat and hearing the rules, participants sit, then listen to the talk, then sit again, and finish with samu, temple work. In the Honzan session, held on weekday evenings, participants sit in the temple's own Hatto (Dharma Hall) and Daihojo (Great Abbot's Quarters): after taking their seats and hearing the rules they sit, then tidy up before leaving. In the Dharma Talk Gathering, also on weekday evenings, participants sit at the training center and then listen to a dharma talk: after taking their seats and hearing the rules they sit, then tidy up, move, and listen to the talk. The training center is the white building along the river in the lane in front of the Hanazono Kaikan, just before the Hanazono Zenjuku.

Advance booking is required, and each of the three formats has its own booking form. Instruction is in Japanese only, though participants may bring their own Japanese interpreter if needed. In principle, those under 18 may not attend alone. Wear clothes that are easy to move in; there is a changing room. Please have dinner beforehand, as no bathing is provided. January and August are closed months.