Zazen Meditation / Nezen Meditation

Expert: Shorekiji Temple head monk, Monk Tamagawa

Why Zazen Meditation?

            Zazen meditation is known worldwide as incredibly beneficial for not only our mental health, but also how it helps regulate breathing, normalizes pulse and heart rates, and assist in blood circulation to aid in digestion and brain function. Practicing this art with a Japanese master in Japan is to create a lasting pathway towards your own health in the future.

Why Zazen Meditation in Kyoto by the Sea?

            Monk Tamagawa is an incredibly open person, endlessly friendly and calm, and the perfect person to either introduce you to the art of zazen, or to help further your practice. While there are many zazen experiences in Japan, Monk Tamagawa leads participants through a guided meditation in his serene bamboo grove on the private temple grounds. His approach is adaptable for different abilities, and the flexibility to sit however you feel comfortable (for example using a chair for people who have difficulty sitting on the floor) makes the experience that much more pleasurable. He has even created a nezen meditation, which combines meditation with the relaxation of reclining on your back while looking up into the boughs of a 600-year old temple tree. He has even developed a temple stay where visitors can spend the night in their own comfortable and private accommodation attached to the temple.

About our monk

            With eight years of experience studying and practicing at the world-famous Mt. Koya, Monk Tamagawa’s experience is only surpassed by his radiates joyfulness. It is his friendly and welcoming nature that makes the experience so memorable for first timers who may be nervous about the practice. Monk Tamagawa guides you through the process gently, teaching you how to breath and how to sit. The session is also informative, as he explains what zazen is and even answers the inevitable question, “What do I do if I have thoughts during meditation?” He can scale the sessions length and depth for experienced practitioners of zazen meditation as well.

Where is this experience?

*TRAVEL BY RAIL. This experience can be done without a car. Take a walk through downtown Ayabe City from Ayabe Station to the temple. It shouldn’t take more than 15 minutes to walk, and you might find something fun or delicious along the way.

Need help booking this experience? Looking for more information? Let us know!