Step away from the crowds of Tokyo and sit in silence in a traditional Zen dojo in Koto City, a short walk from Kiyosumi-shirakawa and Monzen-nakacho stations.
Your teacher, Rob Daoust, practises and teaches zazen in Tokyo and guides every session himself, in English or in French, his first language (he is from Quebec). With no interpreter in between, you can ask anything and understand everything.
Meet your teacher at the entrance of the dojo, take off your shoes and step into the meditation hall, with its tatami floor, cushions and hanging scroll.
The session begins with an introduction: how to sit, how to breathe, and what zazen is. Your teacher helps you find a posture that works for your body.
You then sit for a first period of zazen. After this, you practise kinhin, a slow walking meditation that rests the legs and keeps the mind settled.
With the basics in place, you sit a second time and go deeper into the practice.
The session ends with time for questions about Zen, meditation, or how to keep a simple practice at home after your trip.
Groups are limited to eight people, so your teacher can give each person attention. No experience or religious background is needed.
Meet the teacher at the dojo entrance 10 minutes before the start time.
Meet the teacher at the dojo entrance 10 minutes before the start time.
