[Kanagawa, Kamakura] Zazen (zazen) experience at a temple that is a 2-minute walk from Kamakura Station! Want to maintain your mind and body?

Kamakura is a popular tourist destination for Japanese and foreign visitors. It is a place where many Japanese traditions have been preserved along with nature. And it was a birthplace of the Kamakura shogunate known as the samurai regime. We are carrying out a SAMURAI Project to offer a Japanese cultural experience at the Kigen-in temple, usually not open to the public, located in the vicinity of JR Kita-Kamakura Station.

[Flow of Experience]
1 Handout of materials and explanation about events
2 Drawing of zen art with a brush
3 Guidance by Head of Monk of Kigen-in upon zazen
4 First zazen experience
5 Second zazen experience
6 Lecture by Head of Monk of Kigen-in upon zen philosophy with use of explanatory pictures
7 Third zazen experience
8 Another drawing of zen art on Sekishu Banshi (traditional handmade paper, a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage)
9 Commentary on zen art and sharing of impression of experience
10 Event end

* Please be noted that the order of the event may vary depending upon circumstance on the day of event.


[Time required]
3-3.5 hours

* Please pay admission fee (300 yen) of Engakuji temple and also pay money offering as usual when you visit a shrine or temple.

In such a quiet environment surrounded by greenery with occasional bird's singing, Head of Monk of Kigen-in Temple himself provides you with instructions upon zazen.

He tells you a story about Zen and its philosophy, which helps you to understand the meaning of zen art you drew.Listening to the story with sound mind, you will look back your daily life (social/private) and your entire in wider sense. After the lecture, the third zazen will be more relaxing and special.

It will be a spiritual time that is exactly the opposite of what the modern people are experiencing: namey, "I feel a bit tired", "Every day is too busy and just passing", and "My mind is restless".