Zen Concepts

satori

Keido Fukushima Head abbot of the Tofuku-ji branch of Rinzai Zen, Fukushima is also master of the Tofuku-ji training monastery in Kyoto. Since 1989 he has made lengthy annual visits to lecture at universities throughout the United States.

mu-shin (no self)

Monks in training sit in zazen (Zen meditation) for approximately 6 hours a day. Regulating body and breath, they enter into mu (a state of unconflicted receptivity) with eyes half-closed. Seven times a year they have week-long retreats known as sesshin, where they sit in zazen from 3 AM until 11 PM. Tofuku-ji 15-778 Honmachi, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto 605-0981 Tel. 075-561-0087 Open 9 AM to 5 PM www.tofukuji.jp This massive central compound was completed in 1255 after more than 20 years of construction.

jiyu (freedom)

Using implements like this large flat wood gong, monks announce the time for meals and ceremonies. Zen monastic practice is largely in silence with no unnecessary words to disturb self-inquiry. Besides this gong, bells and taiko drums are used for ceremonial purposes.

shokokyakka (illuminate what lies underfoot)

Monks in the monastery are largely cut off from society, although their begging rounds allow them to leave the monastic compound and receive alms from the faithful.