From July 20 to 22, 2023, for the first time in four years, the Entsu-ji Temple in Tamashima, Kurashiki City hosted the Akoten Zazen Meeting (Akoten Zazen-kai).
I had participated as a participant until now, but this time I was involved as an organizer.
The "Akoten Zazen Meeting" is a long-standing tradition in Tamashima.
I first participated over 40 years ago when I was a middle school student.
I would like to introduce the charm of the "Akoten Zazen Meeting," which has a long tradition and is said to be a summer event in Tamashima.
What is the "Akoten Zazen Meeting"
Entsu-ji Temple in Tamashima is known as the training ground of the Zen monk Ryokan during the Edo period.
"Akoten Zazen" refers to zazen practiced in the early morning.
The "Akoten Zazen Meeting" at Entsu-ji Temple is organized by the "Let's Sit with Ryokan" Executive Committee.
It started in 1957 (Showa 32) and celebrated its 64th meeting in 2023.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it was suspended for three years, but in 2023 it was held for the first time in four years.
The 64th Akoten Zazen Meeting was held from July 20 to 22, 2023, starting at 5:30 AM for about one hour.
Anyone can participate, but participants are mainly recruited from elementary and middle school students, and it is cherished as a summer event in the Tamashima area.
Flow of the "Akoten Zazen Meeting"
The "Akoten Zazen Meeting" starts at 5:30 AM and consists of two 15-minute zazen sessions.
After that, elementary school students do radio exercises, while those in middle school and above engage in samu (work practice).
Samu refers to tasks such as cleaning.
Since it was the first meeting in four years, I was worried about how many people would participate, but many joined from the first day.
This time, about 50 participants each day, totaling 143 participants, with the majority being elementary school students.
There were also enthusiastic participants from outside the Tamashima area.
Practicing Zazen
Most participants are new to zazen and have never practiced it before.
With explanations while demonstrating, anyone can quickly learn to practice zazen.
The round cushion used for zazen is called zafu.
Using a zafu stabilizes the body, making it easier to sit cross-legged.
Participants learn the sitting posture and how to bow, and they regulate their breathing.
When the lights are turned off, the bell rings three times with "Kaan, Kaan, Kaan," signaling the start of zazen.
In the stillness, the sounds of birds and cicadas, and the breeze from the fan can be heard.
Even though many are sitting together, it feels like sitting alone.
As I concentrate on sitting, I hear the bell ringing at 6 AM.
The sense of time fades away, and only the sound can be heard.
When the bell rings twice with "Kaan, Kaan," zazen ends.
Experiencing Kyosaku
When participants feel sleepy, have poor posture, or are unable to calm their minds during zazen, they receive a gentle tap on the shoulder with kyosaku.
This is not a punishment but rather encouragement.
If you wish to receive kyosaku, you should join your hands in gassho to signal.
Then, the shido (the person administering kyosaku) will come and give a firm tap on the right shoulder.
A crisp sound resonates in the quiet hall.
An elementary school student who received kyosaku said, "I felt refreshed."
Some may feel a bit scared about receiving kyosaku, but it surprisingly doesn't hurt much and can even feel pleasant.
Stretching with Samu and Radio Exercises
After quietly practicing zazen, elementary school students do radio exercises while basking in the morning sun.
They move their stiff arms and legs widely and enjoyably during the exercises.
On the other hand, those in middle school and above engage in samu by cleaning the garden.
They diligently raked and gathered fallen leaves, leaving the area neat and clean.
Many expressed, "I felt like I was able to start the day actively and make good use of my time."
When focusing on cleaning, it feels similar to the experience of practicing zazen.
Conclusion
Even though it was just three days, participating in the early morning was more challenging than I expected.
Still, most participants attended all three days.
Seeing everyone practicing zazen made me feel relieved and joyful that we could resume the "Akoten Zazen Meeting" in 2023.
We received the following happy feedback:
- The morning scenery was beautiful, so I want to try waking up early (elementary school student)
- This was my first time practicing zazen in my life. I was glad to focus on becoming nothing without thinking about anything (general)
- I was happy to practice zazen with everyone while feeling the pleasantness of the morning. The sounds of birds and the bell resonated, creating a very nice atmosphere (general)
The July "Akoten Zazen Meeting" has become a cultural and traditional event in Tamashima, with participation from three generations of families.
Why not take a moment away from daily life and sit quietly in the refreshing morning air?
Next year (2024), it is also planned to be held for three days starting from the first day of summer vacation for elementary and middle schools.
Data on the Akoten Zazen Meeting
| Name | Akoten Zazen Meeting |
|---|---|
| Dates | July 20 to 22, 2023, from 5:30 AM for about one hour |
| Location | 451 Kashiwajima, Tamashima, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Participation Fee (including tax) | Free |
| Website | Entsu-ji Temple, the temple where Ryokan trained |
Please apply using the form below.
Masako Yuzuki, Vice Representative of the "Let's Sit with Ryokan" Executive Committee
▼ Application form for information on the 65th Akoten Zazen Meeting in 2024
https://forms.gle/cdXHBqNmgyoGqR8E9