At Eian-Ji Temple, closely associated with the Maeda family, the feudal lord of the Kaga domain, visitors can experience zazen meditation. The temple is also known for its worship of Shouten-sama, a deity worshiped by people for bringing them benefits in this life. During the program, the chief priest, Mr. Santo Reiju dresses Yamabushi in the Shugendo (the religion of the Yamabushi) costume, "Shozoku”. He will welcome you in front of the temple's main hall by blowing a conch shell. Shugendo is an ancient Japanese mountain asceticism in which people undergo rigorous ascetic training in the mountains. The conch is one of the indispensable tools for ascetic practices.
When he was in his 20s, Mr. Santo spent three years as a language student in the United States, China, and the United Kingdom. During that time, he wandered the world as a backpacker. With the English he cultivated there, he now gives easy-to-understand explanations about Zazen, the appeal of Buddhism, and Japanese religions. Zazen is a form of Buddhist practice in which one sits in an upright posture and concentrates only on sitting, breathing in a controlled manner. Mr. Santo practices Zazen from time to time on a daily basis, including a week-long fasting retreat. The basic duration of one zazen session is the time it takes for one incense stick to extinguish, which is called "icchu." That is approximately 30 minutes.
The place for the zazen experience is the vermilion Benten-Do or main hall, dedicated to Benzaiten, the Buddha who presides over wisdom and learning. By sitting in a quiet place away from the hustle and bustle, you can look at yourself and adjust your mind.
Highlights
-
Visitors can experience zazen meditation at a temple that is closely related to the Maeda family, lords of the Kaga domain.
-
The Zazen experience is held in "Bentendo," a brightly colored vermilion hall.
-
The basic duration of one zazen session is the time it takes for one incense stick to extinguish, which is called "icchu." That is approximately 30 minutes.