Tōryō Itō, Chief Abbot of the Kennin-ji sub temple, Ryōsoku-in Temple, says "The external, physical and spiritual landscapes are ever in harmony. Gazing upon these four landscapes is a characteristic of Zazen meditation." If you've ever wanted to experience Zazen meditation but haven't had the chance until now, we strongly recommend visiting Ryōsoku-in Temple. You will enjoy a highly interactive experience that alternates between theory and practice.

Chief Abbot Itō also says "You will better feel the effects of Zazen if you practice step by step. If I were to just explain the process all at once, then make visitors do it for 20 minutes, they'll have a questionable experience that leaves them wondering "Was my posture correct?" or other such things. You can't truly experience Zazen this way."

A few themes are prepared in advance for the first half of the meditation. After one of them is explained, you will meditate for three minutes. Then, the next theme is explained and so on, proceeding in this fashion. For example, the first theme might be "heightening awareness of your surroundings;" the next one might be "Seeing your own condition;" and the last one could be "Erasing the wall between yourself and your surroundings." The second half of the meditation gives more time to meditate, and visitors that request it may receive a smack from the keisaku, or “warning stick”, to help them through drowsiness or restlessness.

Chief Abbot Itō says "When most people think of Zazen, the idea of "becoming nothing" tends to float into their minds. They take on this mentality and force themselves to clear their minds and emotions. However, Zazen meditation was originally about releasing, sitting with those feelings and thoughts, without 'aiming' for stillness or otherwise 'inhibiting' yourself. That's why I think the act of 'gazing' through Zazen is crucial."

He continues: "The practice of 'gazing' through Zazen includes the nuance of 'overlapping.'" After you have projected your awareness outwards, you can turn that awareness back into yourself, and little by little, you overlap the outside world with yourself and erase the boundaries between the two.

"When you gaze at the world, you'll see the greater harmony in all things. For example, you'll notice that you're the only one hurrying while the world itself is calm, and vice versa. When you realize this, it becomes easier to regulate your condition for that day. Also, when you "gaze" at the things you take for granted every day, you may be surprised at how fresh and new everything feels."
This concept of "gazing" through Zazen Meditation is only available at Ryōsoku-in Temple, so why not give it a try? They hold ten sessions per month for 50 visitors at a time. The reservation ticket for a 90 minute session costs 2000 yen. Visitors can confirm starting dates for Zazen Meditation on the homepage calendar, and make reservations on the home page.