Introductory Program

Introductory Program


Daishu-in West will have an introductory weekend on January 17th-19th. There are four spaces available. Please contact the temple if you are interested in attending.

What is Rinzai Zen?
Rinzai Zen is a traditional form of Buddhism practiced in Japan for over 800 years, with a rich history and direct lineage tracing back to Gautama Buddha 2500 years ago.

In the last century, Buddhist practice has made its way to America in various forms, and many people have experienced a meditation class, retreat, or workshop. However, traditional Buddhist training can still be difficult to find in the west.

Weekend Immersion Program at Daishu-in West
For those interested in experiencing a traditional Rinzai Zen Temple lifestyle, Daishu-in West, founded in 1994 by Soko Morinaga Roshi, is offering a weekend immersion program.

This program will be led by Kojyu, the Abbot of Daishu-in West.

The Friday-Sunday program includes Yoga, Sutra Reading, Samu (working Meditation), Zazen (seated Meditation) and structured meals. The tranquil setting and rigorous schedule provide an opportunity to step away from the chaos of our everyday lives and see deeper into the Self.

Schedule

Note that this schedule is not exact and some of the times may change. Follow what you are told on the day.

FRIDAY

5:00pm Arrival.

As practitioners arrive they will be shown to the space where they can keep their belongings.

6:00 Welcoming tea, talk, and Q&A

7:00 - 9:00 Evening Zazen and sutra reading.

Zazen consists of 25-minute periods of seated meditation in the Zendo followed by a small break of a standing meditation. Practitioners are assigned a cushion for the entirety of their stay. Meditation is led by Kojyu, and council is available and questions can be asked to deepen your practice.

9:00 Sleep

Sleep accomodation is simple with futons laid out on the floor in the evening and put away in the morning. If multiple practitioners are present rooms are shared. All bedding is provided.

SATURDAY

4:00am Ashtanga Yoga

While at the monastery in Kyoto, Kojyu met his yoga teacher Rie. Ashtanga yoga which, like zazen meditation, connects us to the breath, became an addition to the monastic schedule. Those who may not be able to participate fully should consult with Kojyu before arriving.

5:15 Sutra reading

Sutras are read in the morning after yoga, evening after baths, andat night after zazen. Practitioners are assigned a book of sutras written in Romanized Japanese and are encouraged to study the sutras during their stay.

6:00 Zazen

7:00 Breakfast

All meals are prepared as a meditation practice by an experienced practitioner. The meals are vegan and gluten free except for dinner which includes a cheese and bread option. All meals have a strict protocol that new practitioners should learn by paying close attention to those around them. Sutras are chanted while receiving meals and an organized system of eating and cleaning is followed.

7:30 Niten Soji (morning cleaning) and Samu (working meditation).

Practitioners will learn the correct methods of sweeping, raking, and collecting leaves using traditional bamboo brooms and leaf pans. This meditation uses the sweeping and raking of gravel, leaves, and dirt to develop focus and attention to detail.

Samu, or working meditation, happens throughout the day. Various projects and maintenance of the grounds happen at this time. Breaks are taken for tea.

11:30 Lunch

1:30 Samu

4:30 Dinner

Unlike the other meals, Dinner is eaten in silence and sutras are not read.

5:00 Kayoku (bath)

After Dinner practitioners are allotted time in the Japanese tub. Then there is time to refresh before evening Sutras and Zazen.

6:00 Sutra reading in the Hondo

6:30-9 Evening Zazen and sutra reading

SUNDAY

Sunday mornings at Daishu-in West are Zazenkai, when the local community comes to sit with the residents of the temple and attend a Dharma talk by Kojyu.

4:00am - 9:00 Same schedule as Saturday

9:00 Zazen

11:00 Traditional Matcha tea and Dharma talk in the Hondo

A group relaxed lunch of soba is then prepared as a group. Question can be asked at this time. Participants then clean up their bedding before heading home.

How to Participate

Contact the temple at (707) 923-9529 or contact@daishuinwest.org. All participants will have a conversation with Kojyu to determine fit.

Location

Daishu-in West is located in the countryside outside Benbow, California. Google Maps directions are not exact, and participants will be given further instruction before arriving.

Cost

Daishu-in West operates on a donation basis. Anyone interested and capable of doing the temple practice is welcome and will not be turned away. For this particular weekend a donation of $200 is appreciated.