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UT Ryozenkai: The Zen Society of the University of Tokyo
About Ryozenkai
Ryozenkai is a traditional Zazen (Zen meditation) society based at the Komaba Campus of the University of Tokyo. Established in 1934, our organization carries a long-standing heritage dating back to the First Higher School (Ichiko), the predecessor of the College of Arts and Sciences. Our activities take place at the Zendo (Meditation Hall), located at the western end of the ginkgo avenue on the Komaba Campus. Known as the Zanmai-do, this historic structure was originally situated within the grounds of the former Edo Castle (now the Imperial Palace) before being relocated here in 1940. The name "Zanmai" is a transliteration of the Sanskrit word Samadhi, a Buddhist term referring to a state of profound mental concentration and spiritual tranquility, free from all distractions.
Join Us
Ryozenkai warmly welcomes new members at any time. All students, faculty, and staff of the University of Tokyo are invited to participate in our sessions. No prior experience, age, or gender restrictions apply. Our community at Zanmai-do is diverse, comprising undergraduate and graduate students, international students, and university staff alike. We invite you to take this unique opportunity to experience the practice of Zen in the heart of Komaba.
Activities and Schedule
Jū-san-nichi Kai (13th Day Session): Every 13th of the month from 7:00 PM (Starts at 5:00 PM on weekends, holidays, and during long breaks).
We invite a practicing Zen monk from Ryūtaku-ji Temple in Mishima, Shizuoka—a temple with which we have shared a deep connection since our founding—to lead our practice. The sessions follow traditional monastery protocols, including the use of the Keisaku (warning stick), Sarei (tea ceremony), and Dokyo (sutra chanting).
Jū-san-nichi Kai (13th Day Session): Every 13th of the month from 7:00 PM (Starts at 5:00 PM on weekends, holidays, and during long breaks).
We invite a practicing Zen monk from Ryūtaku-ji Temple in Mishima, Shizuoka—a temple with which we have shared a deep connection since our founding—to lead our practice. The sessions follow traditional monastery protocols, including the use of the Keisaku (warning stick), Sarei (tea ceremony), and Dokyo (sutra chanting).
Zazen Seminar: Every 3rd Tuesday from 7:00 PM (Starts at 5:00 PM during long breaks).
This "legendary" Komaba course was originally taught by our former advisor, Professor Shigeki Noya, until his retirement. Now integrated into our club activities, these sessions allow us to learn the joy of "Zazen as Physical Education" directly from Professor Noya himself, who is also a distinguished alumnus of Ryōzenkai.
Zazen Seminar: Every 3rd Tuesday from 7:00 PM (Starts at 5:00 PM during long breaks).
This "legendary" Komaba course was originally taught by our former advisor, Professor Shigeki Noya, until his retirement. Now integrated into our club activities, these sessions allow us to learn the joy of "Zazen as Physical Education" directly from Professor Noya himself, who is also a distinguished alumnus of Ryōzenkai.
Student Zazen Session: Every Tuesday from 7:00 PM (Starts at 5:00 PM during long breaks).
Students practice together based on the teachings from the 13th Day Sessions and the Zazen Seminars. These sessions also focus on social bonding; we often cook and share dinner at our zendo, Sanmai-dō, after sitting.
Student Zazen Session: Every Tuesday from 7:00 PM (Starts at 5:00 PM during long breaks).
Students practice together based on the teachings from the 13th Day Sessions and the Zazen Seminars. These sessions also focus on social bonding; we often cook and share dinner at our zendo, Sanmai-dō, after sitting.
Sesshin (intensive training retreat): Late May (Spring) and Late October (Autumn).
We stay overnight at Sanmai-dō, practicing Zazen before and after classes while engaging in Samu (mindful labor) such as cleaning and cooking. This is a vital time for preserving and passing down our precious heritage, Sanmai-dō, to the next generation.
Sesshin (intensive training retreat): Late May (Spring) and Late October (Autumn).
We stay overnight at Sanmai-dō, practicing Zazen before and after classes while engaging in Samu (mindful labor) such as cleaning and cooking. This is a vital time for preserving and passing down our precious heritage, Sanmai-dō, to the next generation.
Komaba Festival: November
This is the only time of the year when Sanmai-dō is open to the general public. We serve green tea and Imagawa-yaki (sweet bean cakes) at Sanmai-dō. Many of our current members first discovered Ryōzenkai through this pop-up café, and it is a major highlight of the festival every year.
Komaba Festival: November
This is the only time of the year when Sanmai-dō is open to the general public. We serve green tea and Imagawa-yaki (sweet bean cakes) at Sanmai-dō. Many of our current members first discovered Ryōzenkai through this pop-up café, and it is a major highlight of the festival every year.
How to Participate
No prior notice or registration is required for any of our activities. Please come directly to the Zanmai-do on the day of the session, wearing comfortable clothes suitable for meditation. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at: ut.ryozenkai@gmail.com
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