Zazen Meditation Experience at Daitoku-ji Temple, Kyoto

A Temple’s Hidden Depths

Daiji-in was founded in 1585 as part of the Daitoku-ji Temple complex, the head of the eponymous school of Japanese Rinzai Buddhism. It shares an association with many major figures in Japanese history, including Oda Nobunaga, who unified Japan in the late 16th century and remains buried in the grounds.

The quiet and dignified main hall of Dajii-in. A monument to novelist Murasaki Shikibu monument stands in the front yard

The main hall of the temple is usually open only to formal worshippers. Simply entering the building and gazing out into the lush garden is a spiritual experience.

Temple monk Seizan Toda personally guides visitors on this tour

An Introduction to Zazen

The idea of meditation can seem severe, this experience has been specially designed with beginners in mind. Everyone can enjoy the benefits of zazen and benefit from the careful instruction of a temple monk.

The body and mind are said to be connected: “When the body is in order, so is the mind”

Zazen is designed to calm the mind. Instead of concerning oneself with holding strict poses, those at Daiji-in believe that comfort allows practitioners to relax their minds and bodies more effectively.

This meditation focuses on simple movements as taught by a monk

Relax the Body, Relax the Mind

The meditation course focuses on each of the five elements of traditional zazen: relaxation, posture, center of gravity, breathing, and yin-yang. It starts with sitting on the veranda and loosening your body.

De-strengthening’ the fingers and toes

Relax your feet and hands, then your shoulders and neck. Feel deep breaths roll around your body, following the monk’s example. Feel the warmth of the sun and listen to the sounds of the birds and wind.

Relax your neck, take a deep breath, and listen to the sounds of the garden

In time, you will feel yourself relaxed and your whole body become lighter.

Lie Down Among Grand Surroundings

After relaxing your body, you will return to the main hall to practice zazen while lying down.

This posture provides an easy way to experience zazen’s original forms

Zazen is traditionally performed seated, with legs crossed and back straight, the palms and soles of the feet upturned. This position requires a lot of practice to achieve, so this lying-down form was developed to allow everyone to experience zazen’s benefits. Lying back on a cool tatami mat with knees apart, you’ll feel a deep sense of calm as your body relaxes further.

Calming postures can calm the mind

After holding this position for a little while, you will return to the veranda and sit comfortably, feeling your center of gravity stabilize as though forming roots with the ground. The whole experience will leave you feeling relaxed in body and mind.

Green Tea and Philosophy

Daitoku-ji Temple is closely associated with the Japanese tea ceremony and its founder, Sen no Rikyu. After meditating, guests can enjoy tea and free discussion with a monk in the temple’s tearoom.

Daitoku-ji’s tea room, Ton’an

The Ton’an tea room was originally built in the Edo period (1603–1868), and reconstructed in 1924 under the supervision of Ennousai, the 13th generation head of the prestigious Urasenke school of Japanese tea ceremony. Tea may also be served in the main hall depending on the weather and your preference.

Enjoy matcha tea prepared by a monk

Feel the room’s history flow around you as you enjoy tea and traditional sweets with your monk guide. He will explain Zen teachings and history further, as well as answering any questions you may have.

You may also choose to take tea in the main hall

Unwind Body and Mind in Wabi-Sabi Surroundings

Meditation and green tea both help one to reach the state of ‘quiet mind.’ Devoid of flashy decorations or ceremony, Daiji-in is the perfect place to experience wabi-sabi, the beauty found in imperfection and spare surroundings.

Since ancient times, tranquility has been considered the ultimate luxury

The spirit of the tea ceremony is contained in four elements: harmony, respect, purity, and solitude. Both this and Zen teachings begin with relaxing one’s mind. At Daitoku-ji Temple, guests can loosen body and mind and forget themselves for a moment, leaving with a feeling of lightness.