The ancient capital, Kamakura
Did you know that there is a temple in the ancient capital of Kamakura, an hour from Tokyo, where you can do Zazen every day? And it is even free!
You can have a real Zazen experience at a temple that has a dojo with monks who are still practicing Zen meditation.
The place is Engakuji Temple located in Kitakamakura Station.
It is the head temple of the Engakuji school of Rinzai Zen Buddhism and is a very old temple established in 1282.
Among the many temples of the same denomination in Kamakura, this temple was recognized by the Shogunate as one of the five most prestigious temples of its time.
Engakuji Temple has a long history and is a very prestigious temple, but you can do real zazen here.
There is no particular cost, but a tip box is provided.
Local people participate in this non-profit zazen meeting every day to keep their spirits up, but for Japanese people, experiencing this time is very valuable and they feel very refreshed afterwards.
We would like to encourage foreign tourists to participate in this zazenkai, but they need to follow the rules, as all explanations on the day are in Japanese and the atmosphere is strict.
I have participated in this zazen meeting many times, will introduce the 10 rules of this zazen meeting and the zazen experience.
Rule 1
No talking. No running. No photo inside.
This is a rule that is necessary from the moment you enter inside the gate of Engakuji almost all the way to the moment you leave.
If the monk asks you a question, of course you may talk, but basically, observe silence.
Rule 2
Get in line at 5:50 AM.
The Zazen sessions are held every morning from 6:00 to 7:00 am.
It is a very quiet and solemn time, so if you are late, you will never be allowed in.
You must arrive at the temple early to hear the important explanation from the monk.
There is a train arriving at Kitakamakura Station on the down train at 5:47.
Be sure to board the first car. That way you will make it in time for the route from the ticket gate to the temple.
Exit through this small turnstile.
Rule 3
About the entrance.
The time of the zazen meeting is early in the morning and the main gate is not open.
Therefore, you will enter through the next entrance.
See Google map.
After entering, walk straight to the side of the Buddhist temple.
At this point, do not go anywhere else or talk while walking.
Rule 4
When you arrive at the Buddha Hall, the participants will line up beside the hall.
All participants face toward the shrine and wait with their hands folded in front of their chests.
Wait quietly until the monk comes.
Rule 5
When the time is coming, the monk will arrive and everyone will enter the Buddhist hall in single file.
Enter the entrance, take off your shoes, and go to the left to find a table to put your luggage on.
Be sure to turn off your cell phones, etc. and leave your luggage and jackets on the table.
Rule 6
Sit on the bench at the very front of the entrance.
The person sitting on this bench will be the first time participant.
A monk will come to explain to you.
Explanation of posture and how to sit will be given.
(All in Japanese).
Rule 7
Take off your socks and sit on the bench along the wall in the cross-legged position.
If you do not like to cross your legs, it is OK to break them slightly.
A comfortable posture is acceptable until the cue to begin Zazen.
Rule 8.
Zazen begins when the monk gives the signal.
During zazen, as in meditation, open your eyes thinly, fold your hands, correct your posture, and breathe quietly.
Two sets of approximately 20 minutes in total.
Rule 9.
Wear a mask.
Due to the customary practice at the Covid, it is always necessary to wear a mask. （As of December 2023）
Rule 10.
Exit straight out when finished.
It is not yet time to visit the temple for regular guests, so you may not stay long in a temple ground. Leave the gate quietly.
These 10 important rules are introduced above, along with the process of participating.
I am Japanese, and I feel a little nervous when I participate in this zazen meeting, but afterwards I feel very refreshed.
The many rules may seem tight, but the rules will lead you to the quiet world of Zazen.
Please contact us if you need directions to the location or the route to take, or if you need a translation of the explanation given by the monk in Japanese before participating.
We can be your guide.
If you are going to stay overnight in Kamakura, please join this zazen session somehow.
And please have breakfast at a cafe that is open early in the morning in Kamakura.
In the next issue, I will introduce my recommended cafes in Kamakura！
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Engakuji
Access
409 Yamanouchi, Kamakura, 247-0062, JAPAN