Introduction to Tsushima-Seizanji Temple
Tsushima is an isolated island located between Kyushu, Japan and Korea. Many rare creatures can also be seen, such as the Tsushima Leopard Cat. It is also famous as the setting for the video game “Ghost of Tsushima.”
Tsushima-Seizanji Temple has its origins in the 8th century. It has played an important historical role, including serving as a diplomatic facility between Japan and the Korean Peninsula.
Shukubo (temple stay)
I flew from Fukuoka Airport to Tsushima. I rented a car at Tsushima Airport and went to Tsushima-Seizanji Temple.
This temple was built on the slope of a mountain. The main hall and lobby were on the first floor, and the guest rooms were on the second to fourth floors. I stayed in a room on the top floor. There were two beds, a bathroom and a toilet.
The room had a TV, refrigerator and air conditioning. There were also yukata robe, towels, bath towels, toothbrushes and razors.
I could see the ocean and the rocky mountains from the window and enjoyed the view.
There was also a large shared bath. It was big enough for about three people to enter at once.
As I walked through the shukubo, I saw Buddhist statues, hanging scrolls, and the monks’ training equipment.
There were chairs in the hallway where I could relax and look out over the garden.
Zen meditation
The next morning, starting at 6am, I practiced zen meditation in the main hall.
I started by chanting sutras such as the Heart Sutra. And from the monk, I learned how to sit. It is important to focus on posture, breathing and the mind.
After sitting quietly for about 20 minutes, I felt calm.
Breakfast
After zen meditation, I had breakfast in the dining room.
The menu includes rice, miso soup, cold tofu, vinegared daikon radish, hijiki seaweed, deep-fried tofu, grilled fish, salad, pickled plum, pickled radish, flavored seaweed, and kiwi.
It was a healthy Japanese breakfast and it was delicious.
