Kamakura: Zazen in French at Zenkyoin

Nestled in the charming town of Kamakura, the Zenkyoin Temple offers a unique opportunity to explore the tranquil practice of Zazen. Led by the esteemed Master Yamanada, this two-hour session invites participants to enjoy the Zen philosophy, focusing on meditation techniques, body posture, and the rhythmic recitation of sutras. But the experience goes beyond just the physical practice – it’s a chance to delve deeper into the Zen lifestyle and gain valuable insights through a Q&A session. And for those wishing to continue their journey, the optional purchase of ‘Zen Sutras of Rinzai School‘ provides a wealth of resources to enhance one’s personal practice.

Key Points

• Zenkyoin Temple in Kamakura offers a 2-hour Zazen meditation session led by Master Yamanada, a French-speaking Japanese Zen master.
• The session focuses on Zen philosophy, meditation techniques, and group recitation of Zen sutras, with instruction provided in English, French, and Japanese.
• Participants can purchase a book on Zen Sutras of the Rinzai School to further their understanding of the teachings.
• The experience is designed to foster heightened awareness and presence through activities like proper body posture, controlled breathing, and Zazen practice.
• Strict participant guidelines, such as no recording devices and proper attire, ensure a peaceful and authentic Zen meditation environment.

Activity Overview

Kamakura: Zazen in French at Zenkyoin

The Zazen session at Zenkyoin Temple in Kamakura offers participants a chance to enjoy the tranquil practice of meditation, spanning a duration of two hours and priced accessibly from $23.07 per person.

With the option to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, this experience allows visitors to reserve their spot without any upfront payment.

The session is led by a French-speaking Japanese master, Master Yamanada, who shares insights into Zen philosophy and guides participants through the Zazen practice, including posture, breathing, and sutras reading.

Participants can also purchase a book on Zen Sutras to deepen their understanding.

Experience Details

The Zazen session at Zenkyoin Temple offers participants the opportunity to explore the serene practice of Zen meditation, encompassing a range of activities led by the French-speaking Japanese master, Master Yamanada.

During the 2-hour session, attendees will:

• Learn about Zen philosophy and the fundamentals of Zazen, a form of seated meditation.
• Practice proper body posture, breathing techniques, and the Zazen meditation itself.
• Participate in the reading of Zen sutras aloud, seeing the rich tradition.
• Engage in a Q&A session with the master, gaining insights and perspectives on the Zen way of life.
• Have the opportunity to purchase a book, ‘Zen Sutras of Rinzai School,’ to deepen their understanding.

Instructor and Language

The French-speaking Japanese master, Master Yamanada, leads the Zazen session, sharing his personal experiences and insights about Zen and the Zenkyoin temple in English, French, and Japanese.

Participants can expect an immersive experience as he seamlessly transitions between the three languages, ensuring everyone can fully engage with the teachings.

Master Yamanada’s deep understanding of the Zen philosophy shines through as he guides the group through the various elements of the session, from the body posture and breathing techniques to the reading of Zen sutras.

His enthusiasm and warmth create a welcoming atmosphere, making this an authentic and enriching cultural encounter.

Participant Guidelines

Participants should come prepared to fully enjoy the Zazen experience, as the session isn’t recommended for pregnant women, individuals with back problems, or those with mobility impairments.

The Zazen session at Zenkyoin Temple in Kamakura requires participants to be comfortable and able to:

• Sit cross-legged on the floor for extended periods
• Maintain proper posture and controlled breathing
• Remain silent and focused during the meditation practice
• Avoid distractions like food, drinks, and electronic devices
• Dress modestly in comfortable, loose-fitting clothing

Meeting Point and Restrictions

Zenkyoin Temple, located across from Knechoji Temple in Kamakura, serves as the meeting point for the Zazen experience.

Participants must leave any prohibited items, such as food, drinks, short skirts, jewelry, chewing gum, video recording devices, tight clothing, cellphones, and cameras, behind before entering the temple grounds. This ensures a peaceful and respectful atmosphere for the practice.

Once gathered, the group will be led by the French-speaking Japanese master, Master Yamanada, into the serene temple to begin their two-hour journey of Zen philosophy and meditation.

Adhering to these guidelines allows participants to fully enjoy the authentic Zazen experience at the historic Zenkyoin Temple.

Zazen Session in French

In ‘Kamakura: Zazen in French at Zenkyoin’, participants embark on a 2-hour Zazen session led by the French-speaking Japanese master, Master Yamanada.

Delving into the philosophy of Zen, he guides them through the proper body posture, breathing techniques, and the practice of Zazen meditation. Participants then have the opportunity to read Zen sutras aloud together, followed by a Q&A session where the master shares personal insights about the spiritual practice.

The experience includes:

• Learning Zen philosophy and Zazen meditation
• Session led by a French-speaking Japanese master
• Activities like body posture, breathing, Zazen, and reading sutras
• Q&A session with the master
• Optional purchase of a ‘Zen Sutras of Rinzai School’ book

Zen Philosophy and Practice

The Zen philosophy embraced at Zenkyoin Temple emphasizes the importance of direct experience and intuitive understanding over intellectual analysis. Through the practice of Zazen, participants aim to transcend the conceptual mind and cultivate a state of heightened awareness and presence. During the two-hour session, attendees are guided through a series of activities that foster this contemplative state, including:

Activity	Description
Body Posture	Sitting in a crossed-legged position with a straight spine
Breathing	Focusing on the natural flow of the breath
Zazen Practice	Engaging in seated meditation
Sutra Recitation	Reading aloud from Zen sutras
Q&A	Discussing Zen insights with the French-speaking master

Sutras and Meditation Materials

During the session, participants have the opportunity to purchase a book titled ‘Zen Sutras of Rinzai School,’ which provides a phonetic pronunciation guide and English translations of the sutras recited throughout the experience.

This valuable resource allows attendees to delve deeper into the chanted verses and better understand the philosophical underpinnings of the Zen tradition. The book, priced at £2,000, serves as a tangible takeaway from the immersive encounter, enhancing the overall Zazen experience.

The session includes:

• Recitation of Zen sutras led by the French-speaking Japanese master
• Explanations of the sutras’ meanings and significance
• Opportunities to practice pronouncing the sutras aloud
• Insights into the connection between the sutras and Zazen meditation
• Guidance on incorporating the teachings into one’s personal practice

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Pet to the Zazen Session?

Based on the participant guidelines, pets are not allowed during the Zazen session. The experience is designed for adults and does not accommodate animals. Participants should plan to attend without their pets for the duration of the 2-hour meditation practice.

Is There a Dress Code for the Zazen Session?

Participants should wear comfortable clothes for the Zazen session. Tight clothing, short skirts, and jewelry are prohibited, as the focus is on the meditation practice. Dressing modestly and in a way that allows for easy movement is recommended.

Can I Leave the Zazen Session Early if Needed?

Participants may leave the Zazen session early if needed, though the temple requests they do so discreetly to avoid disrupting the group. Advance notice is appreciated, but not required. Early departure won’t affect the participant’s refund eligibility.

Is the Zazen Session Suitable for Beginners?

Yes, the Zazen session is suitable for beginners. The session is led by an experienced French-speaking instructor who provides guidance on proper meditation techniques, making it accessible for those new to the practice.

Are There Any Discounts Available for the Zazen Session?

There don’t appear to be any discounts explicitly mentioned for the Zazen session. However, visitors can take advantage of the flexible booking policy, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and no upfront payment required to reserve a spot.

Recap

Immerse oneself in the tranquility of Zazen at Zenkyoin Temple in Kamakura, led by the esteemed Master Yamanada.

This transformative two-hour session offers a unique opportunity to explore Zen philosophy, meditation techniques, and the Rinzai school’s sutras.

Whether a beginner or experienced practitioner, this French-language experience promises to deepen one’s understanding and appreciation of the Zen lifestyle.