Zen Meditation at Ryosokuin: Let Go of What You are Carrying and Just Sit in the Here and Now
Learn how to live with an enriched mind. Easy-to-understand explanations make it easy for first-timers to experience zazen meditation.
Length
2 hours
Season
January to December
Area
Ryosokuin, Kyoto
Group size
1 to 10 persons
Type
Private
Price/person
6,000 - 60,000 JPY
Kammui Style:
Guide
伊藤 東凌 Toryo Ito
Zazen for a rich and mindful life in Kyoto. Vice-head priest of Ryosokuin Temple and meditation instructor.
About
Often people say that zazen seated meditation is about emptying the mind. In reality, it is not about putting one's mind into awareness, but rather about freeing oneself from the constraints of that mind. What image do you have of zazen? For many people, the phrase "becoming nothing" probably comes to mind. This phrase may influence us to make an effort to empty our minds or to keep our minds still. The essence of zazen is to sit without such an aim or plan. By experiencing zazen in stages, anyone can get a sense of what it is like. In this class, we will show you how to become aware of your surroundings (outside), to become aware of your body (inside), and to diminish the boundary between the outside and the inside. We will guide you mindfully in front of a beautiful garden in Ryosokuin Temple in Kyoto. “Per person pricing” 1 person: 60,000 yen/person 2 people: 30,000 yen/person 3 people: 20,000 yen/person 4 people: 15,000 yen/person 5 people: 12,000 yen/person 6 people: 10,000 yen/person 7 people: 8,600 yen/person 8 people: 7,500 yen/person 9 people: 6,700 yen/person 10 people: 6,000 yen/person
Book this experience
Enquiry
If you have any questions about this experience, please contact the guide below.
Duration: 90 minutes ・ Preparation exercises ・ Explanation of zazen ・ Seated meditation, walking meditation ・ Dharma talk Please arrive between 10 and 20 minutes before the start of the class. Please change your clothes during this time. If you arrive more than 5 minutes late, you will not be allowed to enter.
Children aged 10 and older may participate. Overseas visitors are also welcome to participate. However, due to the presence of other participants, explanations may be given in Japanese.
Summer: Insect repellent, sweat towel, and water. In winter: We recommend that you bring a shawl or scarf to cover your knees. During zazen, please be barefoot and remove all jewelry and watches.
If you have any questions about the facilities, please contact us.
From Gion-Shijo Station on the Keihan Line, walk 7 minutes to the south of Hanamikoji Street at the second set of traffic lights to the east. From Hankyu Kawaramachi Station, walk 10 minutes. By city bus: Take city bus No. 206 or 100 from JR Kyoto Station. ・ Get off at Shijo Keihan bus stop, go south on Yamato-oji Street for 5 minutes. ・ Get off at Higashiyama Yasui bus stop, walk west on Yasui Street for 2-3 minutes. ・ Get off at Minami-za-mae bus stop and walk 10 minutes. ・ Get off at Gion bus stop and walk 10 minutes.
Pick up
no
Nearest station
Keihan Gion-Shijo Station or Hankyu Kawaramachi station
Meeting place
Kennin-ji Ryosokuin
If you come by car
3-5 minutes