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As someone who has been interested in Asian philosophy and Buddhism for many years now, I’ve tried out a few kinds of meditation here and there.
While backpacking across Europe, I did a work exchange at a Hare Krishna Temple in southern Spain. Volunteers were encouraged to wake up before dawn to chant the Hare Krishna mantra to calm and focus the mind, as well as give up a false believe in the self.
Back in the States I almost emptied my savings to try transcendental meditation. Advertised and supported celebrities like Howard Stern, Russel Brand, David Lynch, and even big timers like Jerry Seinfeld. Let’s just say that in the end I decided enlightenment wasn’t worth the money.
Zazen is seated meditation, a Zen Buddhist practice to help clear the mind of worldly troubles. It originated in India, spread across Asia, and eventually made its way to Japan. Although it is an ancient practice dating back to Buddha, there are still thousands of temples across Japan with monks sitting in quiet contemplation.
If you’ve ever thought about sitting down to meditate but don’t know where to start, or just want to enjoy a unique cultural experience, here’s a few great places to try out zazen in Kyoto.
Kenninji - Oldest Zen temple in Kyoto
Fred Ojardias | © Flickr.com
A beautiful temple within walking distance from Gion, it was founded in 1202 by Yousai, also known as the founder of the Japanese tea ceremony.
The temple holds a group Zen meditation session on the second Sunday of every month for free. The meditation itself is conducted twice for about twenty minutes each, with a lecture by a Zen priest and a tea break.
Reservations can also be made for a private group meditation session. You can choose from two time slots: 8-10 am, or 5-8 pm. General admission is 1000 yen and students under 18 years old cost 600 yen per person.
Email info@kenninji.jp for reservations or more information.
Whether or not you find peace during your meditation, be sure to stroll around the serene temple grounds and various gardens. You can catch a glimpse of The Wind and Thunder Gods, an Edo period work painted on folding doors.
Photo by Mujo
And don’t miss out on the Twin Dragons painting spread across the temple’s ceiling.
Photo by Mujo
Daitokuji – Heart of Zen and tea culture
During the warring period of Japan (Sengoku Era), notable warlords such as Oda Nobunaga and Toyotomi Hideyoshi founded many Zen temples within the Daitokuji compound where they practiced the spirit of Zen. Sen no Rikyu is also known for his role in the development of tea culture and was a devotee at Daitokuji.
Located in Kita Ward near the subway’s Kitaoji Station, several Zen meditation classes are held at Daitokuji’s Daisen-in every weekend.
Daitokuji is also holding a special “Night the-Zen” event on Wednesday, January 23rd for those interested. The event will be conducted by the Zen priest in Japanese, but there will be staff available to help participants communicate in English. Meditation will be preceded by a short introduction and stretches, and followed with tea and snacks. Tickets are 3000 yen. More information about this event can be found here.
Wilhelm Joys Andersen | © Flickr.com
Tenryuji – World Heritage Site
One of the 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kyoto, Tenryuji lies on the western edge of Kyoto in the Arashiyama district. It’s easy to spot along the main thoroughfare. In the past, Tenryuji encompassed Togetsu-kyo (Rising Moon Bridge) spanning the Katsura River flowing to the south of the temple, and Kameyama Park to the west.
Sophia Lucero | © Flickr.com
Tenryuji was founded during the warring states period in honor of the late Emperor Go-Daigo and has been ravished by fires countless times. Its gardens were designed by the famous Zen master, Muso Soseki. It is also known for the Cloud Dragon painted across the ceiling of Tenryuji’s Dharma Hall.
Admission to the temple gardens only costs 500 yen, touring the temples and Tenryuji is an additional 300 yen, and special addition to view the Cloud Dragon is an extra 500 yen. Admission times and more details can be found here.
Nanzenji – Birthplace of Rinzai
Note: Private group lessons are also available for 1000 yen a person, and 500 yen for students under 18 years old.
Nanzenji is a great destination for those wandering around the eastern Higashiyama district of Kyoto. From Ginkakuji (The Silver Pavilion), stroll down the Philosopher’s Path, and check out Eikando Zenrinji’s fairytale-like moss gardens. If you continue walking south, you’ll soon come upon Nanzenji’s sprawling temple grounds.
Photo by Mujo
There are many more temples offering Zen meditation classes. However, the four mentioned here are easily accessible and popular as tourist destinations. But if you can get out of bed early enough to experience a Zazen class at one of these temples, you will be transported to Japan as it was thousands of years ago, receiving instruction in an ancient technique passed down from countless generations of monks.
There are many more temples offering Zen meditation classes. However, the four mentioned here are easily accessible and popular as tourist destinations. But if you can get out of bed early enough to experience a Zazen class at one of these temples, you will be transported to Japan as it was thousands of years ago, receiving instruction in an ancient technique passed down from countless generations of monks.