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The Zazen Experience

Zazen ExperienceZazen is a particular kind of meditation and part of Zen Buddhism. The aim is to reach enlightenment. In this practice, trainees sit with their legs crossed and their backs straightened (lotus position) as they meditate. The legendary Bodhidharma is the founder of Zen Buddhism and famous for Zazen. It is said that he practiced Zazen for nine years while facing a wall. In Kamakura, some temples provide the public with Zazen sessions. However, you don’t have to sit for nine years….just one hour.

You are welcome to attend the session by yourself but if you need interpretation, I can accompany you and provide at least a minimal level of interpretation (so as not to bother the other attendants). I do not charge a fee for this service.

The following are two locations in Kamakura which offer Zazen sessions.

Engaku Temple

A)  Weekly Zazen

Open every Saturday and the first and third Sunday from 2:30pm to 4pm

The fee is 1,000Yen in addition to an entrance fee for the temple.

B) Sunday Zazen with Sermon

Open the second and fourth Sunday from 9:00am to 11:00am year-round except for the fourth Sunday in July. The sermon, which you are supposed to hear before Zazen, is conducted in Japanese and lasts one hour (9:00am to 10:00am). The Zazen session takes place from 10:00am to 11:00 am.       No charge. However, a donation of 100yen to 1000yen is recommended.

Kencho Temple

Friday and Saturday Zazen
  Open: Every Friday and Saturday from 3:30pm-4:30pm
       (No charge. However,a donation of 100yen or more is recommended)

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