Zen Meditation for Life in Kyoto

5.0 (12 reviews) 4 h 30 min Free cancellation Private tour

out of 5

12 reviews

5.0

Private Zen Meditation Hall — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Kyoto has been the principal home of Zen since its introduction to Japan from China at the beginning of the 13th century. Kyoto is therefore rightly famous for its Zen-influenced gardens, etc. However, the heart of Zen is the practice of meditation, for meditation is the very meaning of the word “Zen.” Given this, it is ironic there are few opportunities for short-term visitors to Kyoto to have more than a brief introduction to Zen meditation while visiting Zen temples. Thus, this workshop is unique in providing an extended, in-depth introduction to both the theory and practice of meditation (zazen) under the guidance of American-born, Sōtō Zen Buddhist priest and scholar Rev. Dr. Brian Victoria. Rev. Victoria will introduce you to both the theory and practice of Zen meditation, employing traditional meditation cushions (or chairs if needed) in a private meditation hall. By workshop completion, participants will become confident in their ability to continue meditating on their own.

Craft Classes Additional fees DSA non-compliant Low Supplier Cancellation Rate Low Last Minute Supplier Cancellation Rate Short term availability Weather Dependent - Weather-Proof

At a glance

Duration: 4 h 30 min
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–6
Guide: Japanese, English
Operated by: Brian Victoria

Ages: Youth (12–17 years) · Adults (18–65 years) · Seniors (66–100 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Tea and coffee: The workshop ends with green tea and a traditional Kyoto sweet

Not included

Not included: Public transportation (bus, subway, cable car, etc.): Public Bus Fare

Itinerary

The private Zen meditation hall is located a five minute bus/taxi ride from Kyoto Station, near Nishi Honganji temple, in a traditional Kyoto home (machiya). The activity includes a thorough 90 minute introduction to both the theory and practice of Zen meditation, emphasizing the proper posture for the Zen form of "mindfulness" meditation. The introduction is followed by the opportunity to experience a combination of two 20 minute periods of seated meditation (zazen) interspersed with 10 minutes of walking meditation (kinhin). Zen meditation can be performed using either the traditional lotus or half lotus postures or, alternatively, on a chair for those who find this more comfortable. The key elements of Zen meditation are breath and mind control, using the proper posture. The activity ends with 30 minutes for tea and a traditional Kyoto sweet, both included in the price. Any questions that participants may have can be asked at this time. The goal of this activity is for participants to feel confident, should they wish, to continue to meditate on their own, understanding both how to meditate within the Zen tradition as well as its purpose.

Stop 1
Nishi Honganji

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

We meet in the lobby of Hotel Granvia on the 2nd floor of Kyoto Station. You will easily be able to recognize me since I will be wearing the clothing of a Zen Buddhist cleric.

End point

We meet in the lobby of Hotel Granvia on the 2nd floor of Kyoto Station. You will easily be able to recognize me since I will be wearing the clothing of a Zen Buddhist cleric.