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Tōshōji Soto Zen Monastery

Posted on May 19, 2023May 19, 2023 by Dharma Documentaries
The life and activities in the Tōshōji Soto Zen Monastery in Okayama Prefecture in Japan (Japanese with Eng. subs)

Tōshōji Soto Zen Monastery

This contemplative film follows the monastics of the Tōshōji monastery through the day and as they go about their duties we also hear readings from important Zen teachings, and listen to an interview with the head of the monastery Seidō Suzuki.

The activities include sitting in zazen, chanting, work, preparing for ordinations, robe-making and cooking, besides others. Near the end we also hear from several European Zen students on why they came to study at Tōshōji, and the value it adds to their practice.

The film was made by the local Yakage TV and captures the discipline and understanding of Zen in the Soto Zen tradition, and it well illustrates the calm and disciplined life of the monastery which stands in contrast to the hectic life of modern day Japan.

For those who want to read more about this tradition there is an interview with Seidō Susuki here.

 

if this video is no longer available please leave a comment so I can update the page
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to see an album of stills click here

 

TAGS:
Dharma, Japan, Meditation, Monasteries, Zen

1 thought on “Tōshōji Soto Zen Monastery”

  1. Cathy says:
    May 19, 2023 at 9:13 am

    Interesting.
    Provides an insight into the activities carried out in the monestery.

    Reply

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