In Zen Buddhism, it is said that experience is everything. That means it's up to every individual to make their own sense of the world. How we react to things depends on how we process them. This is precisely why you must know yourself. You must seek and experience the world, then interpret your own emotions and face them head on. There is nothing more important in this world than that process of journeying within.

Many temples in Kyoto offer Zazen meditation aimed at the general public, but Shunkō-in, which is located in the Myōshin-ji temple complex, is known for offering the Zen experience in English. The Temple’s Chief Abbot, Kawakami Takafumi, has lived in the United States, and teaches Zen Buddhism to many foreign visitors. They can experience Zazen meditation four to five days a week, from 9:30 to 11:00 AM.

Before meditation begins, Chief Abbot Kawakami explains the history of Zen Buddhism, the purpose behind Zazen meditation, as well as the correct sitting posture and breathing techniques. He stresses the importance of "holding doubts." Try asking yourself if everything you take for granted in your normal life is really true or not. Once you begin to question yourself this way, you will open yourself up to a whole new perspective and awareness.

Visitors have time to ask questions about their doubts and what they seek from meditation. Because most visitors come from overseas, this experience gives them an opportunity to ask about Zen Buddhism, and gain a new perspective.

During Zazen meditation, you cross your legs and sit straight up on a tatami mat. It's important to concentrate on keeping a straight posture while meditating. Be sure to take long, conscious deep breaths from the abdomen. You will then close your eyes, straighten the spine, and adjust your breathing. With each moment, you'll notice details in your normal life that you've never seen before. For example, idle thoughts, or the air and sounds surrounding you. When the bell tolls, you will have meditated for about 20 minutes. This is an important opportunity because often in our daily lives we may not be able to even set aside 20 minutes to concentrate on the present moment.

The Zazen Meditation experience at Shunkō-in costs 3000 yen for 2 hours. Visitors can confirm starting dates for Zazen Meditation on the homepage calendar, and make reservations on the home page.