Day after day, life is hectic. Each day seems to fly by.
Why not pause that busy routine for a moment?
By tracing each word of these precious Buddhist teachings, you can experience a moment to care for yourself after working hard every day.
You can have this experience at Kannon Sutra Hand-Copying Sessions, held at Honjuji, a small temple in Mabi.
Even if only for a little while, why not sit in a quiet space, copy a sutra, and have a conversation with yourself?
I also took part in the Kannon Sutra Hand-Copying Sessions to step outside my everyday routine and reflect on myself, and came away feeling refreshed in both mind and body.
The information provided was current when this article was published in March 2023. Please note that it may differ from current information.
Sit quietly and trace the characters
At Honjuji, a small temple in Hattori, Kurashiki City (also known as Gojokko Temple), the main hall is open for Kannon Sutra Hand-Copying Sessions on the third Saturday of every month, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
No reservation is needed, so you can visit at any time during those hours.
The sessions have been held since 2012, making 2023 their 11th year.
After you enter the main hall, Myoki, the head priest’s wife, will carefully explain the proper etiquette and how to copy the sutra.
The Buddha taught that wishes will come true if you see, hear, read, take to heart, and copy the Kannon Sutra.
The Kannon Sutra is a precious Buddhist scripture that teaches the good deeds of Kannon.
Copying the sutra helps you cultivate a pure heart and find peace of mind, while writing it through to the end builds patience and concentration.
You can also try copying sutras as a way to relieve stress or soothe yourself.
The temple provides all the supplies, and all you have to do is trace the model text, so it’s easy for anyone to try.
Focus and face yourself
You can focus and face yourself, even if only for a few dozen minutes.
Everything you need is provided, so you can join empty-handed.
The participation fee is as follows:
- Model text and sutra-copying paper, one set: 1,000 yen
Even beginners are carefully shown what to do at the start, so there’s no need to worry.
When you enter the main hall, first wash your hands and rinse your mouth to purify yourself.
A writing mat, paperweight, and brush pen are provided at each seat, so choose a spot and start writing.
I was alone when I started writing, but by the time I finished, three other people had arrived.
Everyone quietly worked at their own pace.
It’s nice to be able to take breaks and continue without worrying about the time.
Relax with a delicious cup of tea after focusing
I joined the Kannon Sutra Hand-Copying Sessions because I wanted people to know that there’s a place in Mabi where you can try copying a sutra.
When I asked the other participants where they had come from, I found that many were from outside Mabi.
Some people said they used to live nearby before the July 2018 heavy rains, and although they had been living elsewhere and hadn’t visited for a while, they had finally come back.
I was also surprised to happen upon the mother of a former classmate I hadn’t seen in decades.
Easy to join because you can go at your own pace
At the end of the sutra-copying session, they had prepared tea and sweets for us.
They had even prepared a menu, showing their thoughtful hospitality.
It’s a welcoming space where people who have finished and those about to start can mingle, drink tea, and chat.
Even if you’ve just met, it’s easy to strike up a conversation when you have copying sutras in common, talking about things like “I’ve written this far” or “This is my second sheet.”
After concentrating, it feels good to have a small sense of accomplishment.
It’s lovely to take a breather and enjoy the peaceful afterglow of copying a sutra.
You can also leave the main hall for a break while you’re writing.
The view may look different before and after
If you lose focus and feel tired, it’s fine to put down your brush and take a break.
You can’t wander around, but I recommend taking a close look around inside the main hall.
The glittering canopy hanging from the ceiling is a refreshing sight, as it’s not something you see every day.
You might also like to step outside for a moment and breathe in the fresh air.
You can ring the temple bell, or take in the view of Mabi from the garden.
From the Writer
It has been 10 years since the Kannon Sutra Hand-Copying Sessions began, and this year (2023) marks their 11th year.
I deliberately made time to take part, away from the hectic routine of everyday life.
Even if you don’t understand the meaning of the Kannon Sutra, carefully tracing each character can make your mind feel completely clear.
It’s important to meet the small goals you set for yourself, whether that means a few lines, half a page, or a whole sheet.
Being able to work at your own pace depending on the day is also the secret to keeping it up.
After completing two sheets of sutra copying, there’s a space at the end to write down your own wish.
In December, the head priest will chant sutras and pray for your wish at the Noke-e service.
The Kannon Sutra Hand-Copying Sessions are held at Honjuji, a small temple in Mabi.
Even if only for a little while, why not sit in a quiet space, copy a sutra, and have a conversation with yourself?
It’s important to make time to reflect on yourself, too.
Kannon Sutra Hand-Copying Sessions details
| Name | Kannon Sutra Hand-Copying Sessions |
|---|---|
| Dates | Third Saturday of every month Any time between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. |
| Location | 1587 Hattori, Mabi-cho, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Participation fee (tax included) | Model text and sutra-copying paper, one set: 1,000 yen |
| Website | Honjuji, the Gojokko Temple in Mabi, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
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