Escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and embark on a journey to soothe your soul. Discover the charm of temple stays in Japan, where you can experience Buddhist practices and lifestyle in a serene environment.
What is a Temple Stay?
A temple stay is a program where you stay at a temple and experience Buddhist training and lifestyle. While it can also be found in countries like South Korea and Thailand, it has developed into a unique culture in Japan. During a temple stay in Japan, you can refresh your body and mind through activities such as zazen (seated meditation), sutra copying, and enjoying shojin ryori (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine).
The Appeal of Temple Stays
Tranquil Environment
Temples are often located away from urban noise, providing a peaceful environment to calm your mind. Spending time in a temple surrounded by nature is perfect for detoxing your mind.
Experiencing Buddhist Teachings
You have the opportunity to directly engage with Buddhist teachings, which are seldom encountered in everyday life. Through zazen and Dharma talks, you can reflect on modern-day stress and worries, gaining new perspectives.
Healthy Cuisine
During a temple stay, you can enjoy shojin ryori, a type of cuisine that uses no animal products. This gentle-on-the-body food is also fulfilling for the soul. The fresh vegetables, tofu, and seaweed dishes can inspire you to rethink your usual eating habits.
Unique Experiences
Activities such as sutra copying, temple cleaning, and garden maintenance offer new insights and discoveries. These experiences provide valuable time away from daily routines.
Recommended Temple Stay Spots
Mount Koya (Wakayama Prefecture)
Registered as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Mount Koya is considered the mecca of temple stays. With numerous temple lodgings, you can experience various training activities such as zazen, sutra copying, and morning prayers.
Eiheiji Temple (Fukui Prefecture)
At Eiheiji, the head temple of the Soto Zen school, you can experience rigorous training. The traditional monastic lifestyle offers a chance to confront yourself.
Enryakuji Temple on Mount Hiei (Shiga Prefecture)
The headquarters of the Tendai sect, Enryakuji is surrounded by nature. In addition to zazen and sutra copying, you can enjoy hiking and forest bathing, making it ideal for those looking to refresh themselves.
Preparing for a Temple Stay
Clothing
Prepare comfortable, flexible clothing suitable for sitting meditation and other temple activities. Soft, stretchy materials are recommended as you will often sit in seiza or zazen positions.
Essentials
Pack minimal belongings. Bring only the essentials such as a toothbrush and towel.
Mindset
A temple stay is a time to face yourself. Relax and prepare to engage with your inner self.
Conclusion
Temple stays in Japan offer an ideal experience for refreshing both body and mind. Time spent in a tranquil environment can relieve daily stress and bring new energy. If you're interested, try a temple stay and discover the healing and new insights awaiting you.