Exploring the Simple Complexity of 'What is Zen': Insights from the Soto Zen Sect
For many travelers, both foreign and Japanese, understanding 'What is Zen?' really means is a challenge. Even the Japanese find it difficult to articulate. However, according to the website of the Soto Zen sect, the answer is remarkably simple: 'Shikantaza', or just sitting. This practice involves sitting earnestly without any secondary purpose.
Although simple, understanding that Zen sitting, 'Shikantaza', is about more than just sitting idly can be complex. Soto Zen teachings explain that sitting in meditation is not a means to an end but an expression of enlightenment itself. This practice helps us detach from selfish desires and the superficial distractions of daily life.
Achieving Harmony in Zen: Balancing Posture, Breathing, and Mind
Another crucial aspect of Zen is achieving harmony between body (posture), breath (breathing), and mind (adjusting your mind) through stabilizing the body and focusing the mind during sitting. However, visualizing this harmony and deeply comprehending it can be challenging without proper guidance.
Visualizing Zen: Tailored English Instruction for Foreigners at Denchu Temple
At Denchu Temple in Tokyo, the vice-abbot provides Zen instruction in English, which is particularly helpful for foreigners. He uses a whiteboard for his teachings, employing images such as Winnie the Pooh holding balloons to explain Zen concepts visually. He likens selfish desires and superficial distractions to balloons that Pooh holds, suggesting that letting go of these balloons symbolizes freeing oneself from various entanglements and desires.
This visual method of teaching at Denchu Temple is not only for beginners but is tailored specifically for foreign visitors to make the complex concepts of Zen understandable. I had the opportunity to participate in a beginners' Zen session conducted by the same vice-abbot, where no whiteboards or illustrations were used for the Japanese audience. This specialized approach for foreigners, along with direct English explanations, has received high praise for its clarity and effectiveness.
Personalized Zen Meditation: A Private and Insightful Experience at Denchu Temple
These sessions at Denchu Temple are private and small-scale, which is essential for such personalized instruction. Large group sessions, often conducted to reduce costs, do not provide this level of detailed guidance.
I encourage you to participate in the Zen meditation tour at Denchu Temple to experience the clarity of instruction firsthand. The temple also offers Samue (monk's work clothes) rentals. Wearing a Samue during meditation enhances the immersive experience, providing a deeper sense of connection and ensuring a truly memorable and impactful experience.
Additionally, Denchu Temple offers chair zazen meditation for those who cannot sit cross-legged, ensuring that everyone can participate comfortably.
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How to Access Kagurazaka
The Kagurazaka area is conveniently located within 30 minutes from any major station in Tokyo. This is because Kagurazaka is situated in the heart of Tokyo, at the center of the Yamanote Line. Please come and visit this convenient and charming Kagurazaka.
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