Nanzenji
TEL : 075-771-0365Address : 86 Nanzenji Fukuchicho, Sakyo Ward, KyotoAccess : Kyoto Subway Keage Station > 10 minutes walkParking : There is a parking lot
Zazen (Zen meditation)
At Nanzenji Temple, zen meditation sessions are held on the second and fourth Sunday mornings of every month. Hours are 6:00-7:00 a.m. from April to October, and 6:30-7:30 a.m. from November to March. No reservation is required to participate.
(Closed on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of August, the 4th Sunday of December, and the 2nd Sunday of January).
The venue was a building called Ryuenkaku. It was located by going through the Sanmon Gate and following the path to the left of the Hatto (main hall).
As I entered the entrance, there was a reception desk where I wrote my name. The room for zen meditation was on the second floor and was a very large Japanese-style room.
After I put my luggage down and sat down on the cushions that were laid out, the monk explained to us how to sit.
First, I took a deep breath and stretched to loosen up my body. I sat with one foot crossed on my thigh. If you can’t cross your legs, it’s okay to sit cross-legged. I straightened my back and took a deep, slow breath through my nose.
There were three 10-minute sets of zen meditation. For the third set, we all moved with our cushions and did zen meditation in front of the garden.
I could hear the babbling water, the birds singing and feel the wind blowing, and it really calmed my mind.
More information
Please see below for information on the highlights of Nanzenji Temple and shukubo.
Yasaka-Koshindo temple (Kyoto) Colourful monkey dolls
