May 19, 2011

The zen-do in Engaku-ji


This Zen-do (Zen-hall), the place for practicing Zen meditation, stands by the side of the Shari-den (the hall of Buddha's bones) which is the heart of this old temple.

Trainee monks live in this Zen-do to single-heartedly practice Za-zen (seated Zen meditation) and try to solve the insoluble enigmas for achieving Satori (spiritual awakening).

The white characters of "Za-zen" on the wood board command the monk who enters this hall to sit and meditate for his very life.

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