Gudo Nishijima Sensei Interview - Sept 2008

This is a short interview with the late Gudo Nishijima Roshi (1919 - 2014), my Buddhist teacher, in which he talks about his idea about practicing zazen (meditation) everyday in daily life, and some other topics. The video runs for about 6 minutes. Thanks to Ingrid for the video.

Zen Meditation Retreat at Jampa Ling Centre in County Cavan - August 1 to 3, 2014

 

We'll be holding a Zen meditation retreat at the Jampa Ling Buddhist Centre near Bawnboy village in County Cavan over the weekend of August 1-3. The retreat is suitable for anyone interested in Buddhism and/or meditation, and beginners are welcome.

The retreat will run from Friday evening until Sunday afternoon. At the retreat we'll be practicing sitting and walking meditation, and will hold some talks and discussions on Buddhism as well as some periods of light work in the gardens and around the Centre. There will also be free time for walks through the woodland and surrounding area, and to visit the Centre's beautiful walled garden. All meals during the retreat are based on a vegetarian menu.

The cost for the retreat is 80 euros. You can email me at tokyozazen@gmail.com to register. The closing date for registration is Monday, July 28.

Email me for more information or check my webpage at www.zen.ie/cavanretreat.html.

Couple of essays for the present moment

 

 

A friend of mine has written a couple of essays relating to the present moment for a magazine called “Culture Counter”. The first one is called “Phenomenological eco-mysticism”, which is about some experiences he had in the US and Japan recently. The second one is called “Overcoming the cult of the present moment”, which compares what is sometimes meant when people talk about being here and now, and something the Buddhist monk Dogen wrote about the present moment in his book Shobogenzo.

Master Gudo Nishijima’s Wake

 

My Buddhist teacher, Master Gudo Wafu Nishijima passed away on January 28 at the age of 94. I attended his wake tonight in snowy Tokyo. It was a very nice service with his family and friends and many of his students in attendance. We chanted Buddhist sutras and offered incense, and remembered his great life and kindness to us all. The photo above is of the altar with Master Nishijima’s framed picture.

Sensei, thank you for all your kindness and help, and please rest in peace.

Tokyo Meditation Class on May 25

 

I’ll be holding a Zazen meditation class in Tokyo this coming Saturday, May 25. Anyone interested is welcome to attend, and attendance is free. The first part of the class will be from 11 am to 12 noon, and the second part will be from 12.30 to 2 pm. You’re welcome to come to both the morning and afternoon parts, or to either one. The schedule is:

11.00 – 11.25  Zazen

11.25 – 11.35  Kinhin (this is a slow walking practice)

11.35 – 12.00  Zazen

12.00 – 12.30  Break (for lunch or a rest)

12.30 – 1.00   Zazen

1.00 – 2.00    Talk (optional)

If it’s your first time to do Zazen and you’d like some instructions, please come about 10 or 15 minutes before the start and I’ll show you what to do.

The class will be held at Tokyo University’s Young Buddhists Association. You can click here to download a map with directions to the Young Buddhists Association from the Marunouchi and Oedo subway lines. Both lines run through Shinjuku station. The stop on both lines is called "Hongo-Sanchome".

If you’re coming from Hongo-sanchome station on the Marunouchi line, turn right after passing through the ticket barrier and follow the alley out to the main street. The building where the meetings are held is across the street. You can cross at the traffic lights on the corner (see map). If you’re coming from Hongo-sanchome station on the Oedo line, take exit no. 5 and turn to the left after leaving the station. Follow the main street and then turn left again at the corner with the traffic lights (see map).

The entrance to the Young Buddhists Association is next to the Nicos travel agency (directly behind the bus stop). You'll see a "Zazen Practice" sign on the glass door at the entrance.

Here's a video showing how to get to the meetings from Hongo-sanchome station on the Marunouchi line.

 

Directions to Zazen Class from Hongo-sanchome subway station on Marunouchi line

Email me if you need more information, otherwise feel free to come along on the day and give it a try.