Revitalizing Zazen Meditation & Monk-Style Meal (Toyama)

Established 700 years ago, Kokutaiji Temple serves as the head temple of the Kokutaiji School of Rinzai Zen Buddhism and a training center for zazen meditation. This is a one-of-a-kind experience where you can learn the same zazen practice taught to Zen monks by their masters. Meditation focuses the energies and purifies the spiritual body and mind, offering a respite from our busy lives. The mountain retreat of Takaoka’s Kokutaiji Temple was recognized by Japan’s Emperor hundreds of years ago and has since been visited by major Zen leaders, such as Nishida Kitaro and others. The temple grounds sit among the tranquil mountains of Takaoka and feature a relaxing rock garden. After you engage in a zazen meditation practice, you’ll be able to try the temple’s traditional-style meals. In Zen, eating is a part of "shugyo", religious training just like meditation or studying of sutra. Meals are seen as an opportunity to reflect on oneself through food preparation, cooking, eating, and cleaning up. Shoujin ryouri, the vegetarian cuisine of monks, highlights each of the 5 flavors, plus a unique “taste” called lightness. This ‘light’ characteristic of food highlights the life of the ingredients by using only simple seasonings and preparation. Engage in Zen practice with all 5 senses as you dine on a shojin ryori lunch at the end of your temple experience. The menu features seasonal, local ingredients, with the star, a characteristic dish using fresh bamboo, showcasing the area's freshest offerings. Itinerary: -Meet your host at Kokutaiji Temple -Engage in a Zazen meditation practice at the temple gardens -Enjoy a shojin ryori lunch with seasonal ingredients