Key Moments From the Digital Nomad Retreat in Nachikatsuura

During the digital nomad retreat held on November 22–23 in Nachikatsuura, several moments stood out clearly.

Rather than summarizing the full schedule again, this post focuses on a few highlights that left a strong impression on participants.

A Buddhism Session: Life, Death, and the Present Moment 

One of the most memorable sessions was a Buddhism talk held on the second day, before the group visited Houkouji.

The session introduced core Buddhist ideas using simple language and concrete examples.

Key themes included:

・Reincarnation (輪廻転生)
In Buddhism, life and death are seen as a repeating cycle. Actions in this life influence what comes next.

・Liberation (解脱)
Buddhism views endless rebirth not as hope, but as suffering. The ultimate goal is to break free from this cycle.

・Karma (業)
What continues is not a fixed “self,” but the flow of actions and consequences — similar to how water flows continuously in a river or waterfall.

・Zen perspective
Zen Buddhism does not focus strongly on reincarnation. Instead, it emphasizes living fully in the present moment.

Monk-Led Introduction to the Buddha Statues Inside the Temple Hall

Another highlight was a monk-led introduction inside the temple hall, focusing on the Buddha statues enshrined there.

The monk explained:

・Who each Buddha statue represents

・The role and meaning of each figure

・How they are related to Buddhist teachings and daily temple practice

The session focused on understanding the statues themselves and why they are placed where they are.

Visiting Nachi Falls

During the retreat, participants also visited Nachi Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in Japan.

Surrounded by forest and steep rock walls, the waterfall flows in a single, powerful stream. The area was calm, and people spent time quietly watching before moving on.

Tuna Cutting and Local Food Culture

Nachikatsuura is known as one of Japan’s major tuna ports, and the retreat included a tuna cutting demonstration.

Participants watched as a large tuna was prepared on site, learning:

・How tuna is handled and cut

・Why Nachikatsuura is famous for its fishing culture

・How local food is tied to daily life and economy

Later, the tuna was shared as part of the meal. 

Small Moments That Made the Stay Meaningful

Other moments also stayed with participants:

• Sitting together quietly after zazen

• Casual conversations over meals

• Walking between buildings surrounded by forest

None of these moments were dramatic, but together they shaped the experience.