Zen AM: Embodied Zen Guided by Issho Fujita – KANAGAWA

Tour summary

After 18 years of teaching Zen in the U.S., Issho Fujita has returned to Japan, where he continues to lead innovative and body-centered approaches to zazen. In this special session, you’ll be guided by Mr. Fujita through an experience of Zen that can be felt not just in the mind, but in the body itself.

Following the meditation, enjoy thoughtful conversation over a cup of tea with Mr. Fujita—a rare opportunity to engage directly with a globally respected Zen teacher.

A traditional shojin ryori (Buddhist vegetarian) lunch is included, enriching the experience both spiritually and sensorially.

In detail

Experience Zazen

Under the guidance of Mr. Issho Fujita, we will first relax the body and mind with Zen-like somatic work* to prepare the body for zazen without strain. When you are ready, you will slowly begin to practise zazen. We invite you to let go of the conventional stereotypical image of zazen and experience Zen in a fresh way.

*Practice based on the idea that body and mind affect each other, and that holistic recovery can only be achieved when body and mind become one.

Talk with Mr. Issho Fujita

Eating is part of the Zen experience. After learning the etiquette of eating, we eat in silence for 15 minutes. Afterwards, it is time to share impressions and talk with Mr. Issho.

While enjoying a bento lunch centred on local vegetables, which is similar to the vegetarian diet of monks, please experience the cheerful and warm personality of Mr. Issho, who is loved by many people.

Your Host

Issho Fujita

He studied developmental psychology at the graduate school of the University of Tokyo. While a graduate student, he encountered and became deeply devoted to zazen, attaining enlightenment at the age of 29 and moving to the U.S. at 33.

He taught zazen at Valley Zendo in Massachusetts for 17.5 years and served as the director of the Soto Zen International Center in San Francisco for 8 years from 2010. He has also taught at Zen centres around the world and at major companies on the West Coast of the United States.

Now based in Hayama, he regularly holds zazen meetings and engages in numerous lectures, writings, and media appearances.

Location

Kenchoji Temple

Yamanouchi 8, Kamakura

Kenchoji is a historic Zen Buddhist temple located in Kamakura, Kanagawa, Japan.

It is the oldest Zen training monastery in Japan, founded in 1253 by the Chinese Zen master Rankei Doryu, under the patronage of the regent Hojo Tokiyori.

More information

FIT / Group	Both
Min. and Max. # of Participants	2 min / 10 max
What is Included in the Price	English speaking host, Lunch, Admission fee
Duration	4 hours
Start/End Time	9:30 – 13:30 (Negotiable)
Meeting / Departing Point	Kenchoji Temple
Notes: dietary restrictions, age limit. etc.	– Please inform us ahead of time if any guests have dietary restrictions or require a hired car, as we may not be able to accommodate these requests on the day of the event.