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