Buddhist Meditation

Buddhist Meditation

Meditation in Buddhism is a practice that leads to enlightenment.
There are many ways to do this, from sitting quietly in meditation to
These include yoga-like postures that originated in ancient India.
In Japan, meditation teachings and practices vary from sect to sect.
Each temple offers a unique meditation experience.
From beginners to those who practice meditation on a daily basis...
There is careful guidance so that everyone can work at their own pace.
Zazen

Zazen

Zazen is a practice of sitting quietly with the aim of achieving a state of mental unity known as zenjo/zenna. This practice of simply sitting quietly calms the mind and allows one to contemplate the truth, and is said to eventually lead to enlightenment.
Local food and food culture

Local food and food culture

While staying at a temple, you can experience the local food culture, including shojin ryori cuisine.
The dishes, which make use of local seasonal ingredients, are healthy and value the original flavors of the ingredients.
Eating is also a time to face your heart.
Through a food experience where you can slowly savor the blessings of nature,
You may discover fulfilling moments that you would not notice in your daily life.
Buddhist Vegetarian Cuisine (Syoujin Ryouri)

Vegetarian food

A style of eating that balances the mind and body, rooted in Buddhist teachings

Shojin ryori is a traditional cuisine based on Buddhist precepts that does not use meat or fish and is made mainly from vegetables and plant-based ingredients.
The word "shojin" means "to practice with devotion." At its root is the Sanskrit idea of "non-killing," or "ahimsa" (non-violence and compassion), which respects all life.

More

Two forms of shojin ryori

There are two main types of Shojin ryori.
One is the simple everyday meals that monks eat every day.
The other is the beautiful and delicate Kaiseki-style meal prepared to entertain guests. The meals of monks are provided by harvests and donations, and they are self-sufficient and do not purchase anything.
A strict attitude of not wasting anything is also part of the training.
This sustainable way of life is the wisdom that has allowed the temple to continue to survive even in difficult times.

Two forms of shojin ryori

There are two main types of Shojin ryori.
One is the simple everyday meals that monks eat every day.
The other is the beautiful and delicate Kaiseki-style meal prepared to entertain guests. The meals of monks are provided by harvests and donations, and they are self-sufficient and do not purchase anything.
A strict attitude of not wasting anything is also part of the training.
This sustainable way of life is the wisdom that has allowed the temple to continue to survive even in difficult times.

Beautiful hospitality cuisine

On the other hand, the vegetarian cuisine served to guests is as beautiful as a work of art.
The dishes are presented in vibrant vermilion lacquered dishes, always in odd numbers of three, five, or seven dishes, with the harmony of flavors and colors meticulously calculated.

Five tastes, five colors, Gochi Tathagata

The cuisine incorporates a good balance of the five tastes of sweet, sour, salty, bitter and savory, and the five colors of red, green, white, black and yellow.
The colorful ingredients represent the "Five Wisdom Buddhas," a symbol of Buddhism. These five tastes and five colors are a worldview deeply connected to Buddhism, as can be seen in mandalas and prayer flags.
In shojin cuisine,Complete Nutrition for Body and MindIt is considered.

A food experience that confronts life

Shojin ryori is not just vegetarian food,
Gratitude, Harmony, Moderation, SustainabilityIt is a deeply spiritual "culinary training" that embodies Buddhist values such as these. Each and every dish speaks to our hearts, along with a sense of tranquility.

Japan Tourism Agency
local cuisine

local cuisine

Local cuisine is a cuisine that is unique to a particular region and has been passed down through the generations.
Made with locally sourced ingredients and traditional cooking methods,
It has been passed down through generations along with the lives of local people.

Other experiences you can have at the temple

  • Sutra copying and Buddha copying experience

    Sutra copying and Buddha copying experience

  • Participating in religious services (chanting sutras) and memorial services

    Participating in religious services (chanting sutras) and memorial services

  • yoga

    yoga

  • Buddhist training experience

    Buddhist training experience

  • Walking the sacred mountain - A trail experience surrounded by nature and prayer

    Walking the sacred mountain
    A trail experience surrounded by nature and prayer

Cultural and local experiences

Cultural and local experiences

Many aspects of Japanese culture are deeply connected to Buddhism.

Among these, "tea culture" is one of the most representative examples.
The history of tea in Japan has progressed alongside Zen.
Matcha was introduced from China along with Zen Buddhism and eventually developed into a unique culture known as "tea ceremony."

The etiquette of the tea ceremony, where you drink tea in silence, is
The spirit of Zen - the teaching of eliminating unnecessary things and focusing on the present moment - is alive and well.
Temple Hotel Takayama Zenkoji

Temple Hotel Takayama Zenkoji
experience centre

  • Tea Ceremony Experience

    Tea Ceremony Experience

    TEMPLE HOTEL Zenkoji
  • Rice ball making experience

    Rice ball making experience

    TEMPLE HOTEL Zenkoji
  • Amulet making experience

    Amulet making experience

    Temple Hotel Houkouji