The practices
and life in the temple spiritually follow the original Soto-zen
teaching,
that is,
Eihei Pure Standards by Dogen Zen Master: all activities in life
are essentially seen as zazen.
For most
activities, English explanation is offered for the non Japanese
practitioner.
The objective of the foundation is the complete revival and reestablishment
of the practice
described by Dogen Zen Master, who brought Zen to Japan in the
13th century.
Away from
the stress and strains of every day, the life in CIZ should be
an excellent refreshing
and purifying
experience bringing peace of mind.
ln deciding what clothes to bring, it is preferable to have different
clothes
for sitting
zazen and for work: clothes for zazen should be loose-fitting,
those for
work should be comfortable for movement. The charge for meals
and lodging is whatever you think appropriate.
Address
: Kokenji Tateishi Yashima-machi Yurihonjo-shi Akita-ken Japan
015-0414
Phone : 00 81 (0)184-56-2193 contact Joko Sato or
The
opening ceremony day
Certainly,
it was a big day and a very lucky day !
The sun was bright, just as if the new zazendo was waiting for
us to be dedicated.
A lot of
people came to attend to the ceremony and once everyone was seated
the celebration could start. One could see graceful smiles on
the faces, a kind of
serene happiness pervaded, we were elated !
The comments
of the celebration were spoken by Mr Daigyo Moriyama Roshi from
Zuigakuin Temple.
The opening
ceremony was held by Mr Dokyu Hanayoshi Roshi from Eihei-ji Temple
then Mr Shinkai Tanaka Roshi
from Hôkyo-ji
Temple led the second part. Finally came the very moment when
Mr Joko Sato, abbot of Koken-ji
Temple
was given
the responsibility of Chokai-san Zazendo. A very moving moment
as he talked and thanked all the audience.
I shall
never forget this ceremony ! As an European person, this day is
printed in my heart : in this place devoted to
the original
Soto Zen teaching after Master Dôgen, I had the impression
of both belonging to my community, to
the Japanese
community, but also to a peaceful Earth planet. But,
"I know this world is as ephemeral as the dew
and yet…. " Kokayashi Issa
Danielle
Feniou