The private Zen meditation hall is located a five minute bus/taxi ride from Kyoto Station, near Nishi Honganji temple, in a traditional Kyoto home (machiya). The activity includes a thorough 90 minute introduction to both the theory and practice of Zen meditation, emphasizing the proper posture for the Zen form of "mindfulness" meditation. The introduction is followed by the opportunity to experience a combination of two 20 minute periods of seated meditation (zazen) interspersed with 10 minutes of walking meditation (kinhin). Zen meditation can be performed using either the traditional lotus or half lotus postures or, alternatively, on a chair for those who find this more comfortable. The key elements of Zen meditation are breath and mind control, using the proper posture. The activity ends with 30 minutes for tea and a traditional Kyoto sweet, both included in the price. Any questions that participants may have can be asked at this time. The goal of this activity is for participants to feel confident, should they wish, to continue to meditate on their own, understanding both how to meditate within the Zen tradition as well as its purpose.
We meet in the lobby of Hotel Granvia on the 2nd floor of Kyoto Station. You will easily be able to recognize me since I will be wearing the clothing of a Zen Buddhist cleric.
We meet in the lobby of Hotel Granvia on the 2nd floor of Kyoto Station. You will easily be able to recognize me since I will be wearing the clothing of a Zen Buddhist cleric.
