Toyo University Counseling Office will be holding one of our programs, “Zazen Experience Online 2024”, during the lunch break on Dec. 16th. In this bilingual program, you will be invited to brief rounds of Zazen with a talk in between about Zen and Japanese culture. Rev. Daigo Ozawa, the chief abbot of the old Zen temple Tokozenji, will instruct you in both Japanese and English.

“Zazen” is an old meditative practice in Zen Buddhism, and though it has long been conducted in such places as Zen monasteries and temples, the pandemic has made some temples open their sessions online! We’ve been holding this workshop annually since 2021. Why don’t you try this opportunity to know something about Zen and Japanese culture?

This program will be good for those hoping to find calm and reduce stress as well as those wishing to feel connected with others. You may also find it interesting to delve into your inner world, in addition to exploring Japanese culture. Don’t miss out on this great opportunity! 

▪  All Toyo students can join this program free of charge.

▪  You can participate in the event at your home. If you are on Hakusan campus on the day, you can join at the Sky-Hall on the 16th Fl. the Bldg. 2 where you can watch the large screen with others.

▪  In the case that you do not have enough time to join the full session, partial participation is fine.

▪  This program is designed to offer everyone an opportunity to get a glimpse of Zen Buddhism and it is not intended as solicitation. We respect the freedom of faith under all circumstances and we welcome everyone regardless of his or her religious belief. Although the sutra chanting service is to be provided at the end of the program, it is totally up to you whether or not to join the chanting. We think it would just be nice to feel the atmosphere, and we hope you enjoy being embraced by it.

Zazen Experience Online 2024 

▪  Date and Time:  Monday, December 16, 2024, 12:10pm-1pm

▪  Application period:  until Friday, December 13.

▪  How to apply： Please click here →  https://forms.gle/NCmCU9QWLDkFFN4a6

    ☆Make sure to log in to your @toyo.jp account.

　       Program

  12：00- Zoom waiting room open

  12：10- Introduction

  12：15- Zazen explanation

  12：25- First Zazen session

  12：35- Break and talk

  12：45- Second Zazen session

  12：55- Sutra chanting and winding up

▪  Things to prepare: a cushion to sit on and a drink if needed. (Cushions will be provided at the Sky-Hall, if you join on campus).

▪  Participation sitting on a chair is OK.

▪  Please sit a little distance from your device and try to get your whole body or upper body into the screen.

▪  At the end of the session, we will chant a short sutra, “The Four Great Vows”. Please read over the attached file on the website page listed below.

   　　＊Your participation in chanting is totally voluntary, yet it will be highly appreciated. Please note that this event is not intended as solicitation.

        https://www.tokozenji.or.jp/wp/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/20201218100032733_0001-898x1024.jpg 

     ▪  It will be helpful for the beginners to read the articles and watch a video.

-An article for reference in “The Japan News”.

        https://www.tokozenji.or.jp/wp/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/The-Japan-News-020928-1-1.jpg

          -A video  “how to practice zazen”(with English subtitles)

        https://youtu.be/syUSkdmvH44