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The World of Zen

Zen philosophy is deeply intertwined with Japanese culture. By exploring it, you'll gain a deeper understanding of Japan, making your stay here more enriching and engaging.

Monks Heading to the Temple for Service: monks are a rare sight in the city. To detach from the mundane world, they undergo their training at a temple nestled in the foothills of the mountains.

A Monk Ringing a Bell: temple bells are custom to be rung twice daily, once in the morning and once in the evening. The solemn sound marks the beginning and end of each day.

Zazen in a Bamboo Forest: Zazen can be practiced anywhere, not just in a temple. Calming your mind in a serene setting and turning inward is a practice that transcends time and place.

Temple Bells and Worldly Desires: it is believed that the sound of temple bells can dispel worldly desires. The resonant tone is said to banish the 108 earthly desires that people harbor.

Monks and Calligraphy: monks practice calligraphy as part of their training, using it to cultivate a calm and focused mind. As a result it’s rare to find a monk with poor handwriting.

Hot Water Container and Ladle for Tea Ceremony: each tool is designed with simplicity, beauty, and cleanliness in mind. It is well known that Steve Jobs was influenced by Zen philosophy.

A Room in a Luxurious Traditional Mansion: even in traditional, luxurious buildings, it is evident that simplicity and well-maintained beauty are valued more than an abundance of possessions.

Rock Balancing: this art form, known as "stone stacking," demands intense concentration and unwavering mental strength. It is said to share similarities with Zen and meditation.

A Small Drop Falls onto the Surface: this small action creates ripples that spread outward. The resulting effect evokes a sense of observing the fundamental laws of nature.

Introduction

The World of Zen

Simply put, Zen is the pursuit of understanding one’s own existence. Zen monks undergo rigorous training to achieve this, and art forms reflecting this practice include the tea ceremony, flower arrangement, and incense ceremony. Furthermore, the essence of Zen—calming the mind and delving deeply into oneself—can be applied to everyday life, influencing many aspects of Japanese thought and behavior. Zen also teaches that rather than fearing or avoiding challenges, one should confront them directly. It is through facing and overcoming trials that personal growth is achieved. We will introduce the globally appreciated philosophy of Zen and offer insights into how to engage with it. We hope that during your stay in Japan, you will gain an understanding of Zen that enriches your life.

More Information

Zazen Meditation

Zazen is a fundamental practice in Zen Buddhism, serving as a form of meditation to calm the mind and engage in self-reflection. By sitting quietly with a straight back and crossed legs, and focusing on one's breathing, practitioners aim to clear away distractions and maintain a state of mental emptiness.

Zazen is now globally recognized for its ability to relieve stress and promote mental stability in today’s fast-paced world.

Sado — Tea Ceremony —

Have you ever witnessed the refined elegance of a tea ceremony? Every detail, from the way sliding doors are opened to the careful handling of tea utensils, is minimal and graceful, with all excess removed. This refined simplicity not only calms the mind but naturally encourages guests to sit up straight and focus on the present moment. The tea ceremony is a practice of mindfulness and respect, where honoring the manners, people, and tools.

Kado — Flower Arrangement —

It may appear as a glamorous pastime, but it originally served as Zen training, focusing on the art of arranging flowers beautifully. The goal isn't to create a perfect form viewed from one angle, but rather to cultivate a mindset that appreciates beauty in imperfections and seeks to learn from the natural forms of plants about how to live harmoniously in society.

Zen philosophy emphasizes respect for all life and the interconnectedness of all existence.

Kodo — Art of Incense —

In Kodo, you follow precise procedures and use various tools to carefully prepare and enjoy the delicate scents of rare fregrance wood.

In Kodo, experiencing the fragrance is referred to as "listening." This practice prioritizes the olfactory sense and "listens" to the infinite world of scents, making it an art born from the delicate sensibilities of the Japanese people.

"Shojin-Ryori" Traditional Vegitalian Cuisine

Soybeans have long been a key source of protein in Japan, with condiments like miso and soy sauce highlighting their versatility. This tradition reflects a natural diet suited to Japan's climate, influenced by Zen teachings that emphasize minimizing harm to living beings.

Though Japan has a long history of eating fish, meat consumption only became common in the past century.

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