Introduction to Zenkyoan temple
Zenkyoan is a sub-temple of Kenninji Temple. Kenninji is a large temple, and this temple is located on the southwest side of the grounds.
Zenkyoan is a temple dedicated to Marici, the deity who was a heat haze deified in ancient India. TheMarici is said to ride on seven boars. Due to this origin, there are many boar statues within the temple grounds.
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Zenkyoan temple (Kyoto) Lots of boar statues
Zenkyoan is a sub-temple of Kenninji Temple. This temple is dedicated to Marici, the deity of heat haze in ancient India. Boars are said to be messengers of Marici, and there are many boar statues within the temple grounds. Once a month, a Zazen (Zen meditation) and sermon meeting is held.
Mystical prayer
At Zenkyoan, prayers and Zen meditation sessions are held once a month. The event will be held on the first day of the boar. (In Japan, 12 different animals are assigned to each day in rotation.)
The prayer service will begin at 10:00, followed by a Zen meditation session around 10:30. These events are open to everyone and do not require reservations.
When I arrived at the temple before 10 a.m. and entered the hall, I saw cushions lined up. However, there weren’t enough cushions, and some people who arrived later couldn’t get into the hall. Therefore, if you plan to participate, I recommend arriving a little early.
There was a magnificent altar in the center of the temple hall. The ceiling was blackened with soot, but it had a painting of a dragon on it.
After waiting for a while, the bell rang, and five monks came in. The Heart Sutra was chanted while a wooden fish drum was struck.
After that, there were many highlights, such as the loud voices of the monks chanting and the way they unfolded the sutra book in the air. The dimly lit hall was illuminated by candlelight, creating a very mystical atmosphere.
Zen meditation session
After the prayers were offered, I was guided by a monk who was standing outside the hall to the back of the temple grounds.
Entering the building, which is normally off-limits, and walking down the corridor, I came across a spacious Japanese-style room facing a rock garden.
There were about 50 cushions for Zen meditation lined up inside the room, and we could sit wherever we liked.
At the start of the Zen meditation session, the monk explained how to sit properly. I was instructed to straighten my back, place my palms together in front of my navel, and look slightly downwards. The importance of breathing quietly and slowly was also emphasized.
Then, wooden clappers and a bell were struck, and the Zen meditation began. I clasped my hands together to signal, and then I received a tap on the back of both my shoulders. The sound was loud, but it wasn’t painful, and my concentration returned.
After sitting for about 10 minutes, the Zen meditation session was over. Since it was only for a short time, my legs didn’t go numb, and deep breathing refreshed both my mind and body.
Tea ceremony
A short Dharma talk was given after the Zen meditation.
Tea and sweets were served, and we listened to a talk by a monk.
Information on Zazen (Zen meditation) in Kyoto
Ryosokuin temple (Kyoto) Japanese garden and zazen experience
