Engakuji-Temple
Sunday October 13th, 2024
1:30pm
KAMAKURA
The “Open Zen”
Experience
Welcome to Zen2.0: The“Open Zen”Experience
Join us as we embark on our journey into the heart of Zen!
The “Open Zen” Experience is an annual international event for English-speaking communities in Japan, held in Kamakura, a historic capital of Zen. This non-profit event creates an open, welcoming space for global participants, fostering a sense of belonging and connection through mindfulness and contemporary perspectives.
Join us for the 2024 launch at Engakuji Temple, a historic and active Zen temple founded in 1282, to explore, learn, and practice Zen, discovering deep connections through inner wisdom.
Overview :
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Half day all English language event to experience the essence of Zen mindfulness through thoughtful conversations and unique experiences.
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A rare opportunity to go deep inside a 750-year-old historically significant Zen temple including areas usually not open to the public.
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Hear from Zen leaders including Zen Buddhist monks and modern mindfulness practitioners that integrate Zen teachings to everyday life.
Who this is for:
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Those who want an authentic Japanese cultural experience.
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Those that want to savor the experience of being in a Zen temple (versus zooming by as a tourist attraction).
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Those that are curious to know what Zen is all about in a casual, safe, and authentic environment. (This is about Japanese culture, philosophy, and way of life. Not religious dogma)
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Those that just want to relax and connect with like-minded people.
The Open Zen Concept
The Open Zen Concept
The “open Zen” concept, much like architectural “open concept” designs, revolves around learning and practicing the wisdom of traditional Japanese Zen, in order to bring about unobstructed, open, and expansive states of mindfulness and awareness. It is a modern interpretation on the traditionally segmented, enclosed, and highly disciplinary Zen approach, or Zen1.0, that integrates a more flexible and inclusive style, i.e. Zen2.0.
The aim of “open Zen” is to increase natural fluidity, accessibility, and heartfelt connection, cultivating a sense of belonging to a harmonious and communal way of living. There is a greater sense of “one-ness” which we believe is at the core of our evolving planetary awakening, as well as the well-being of all humankind.
What is Zen2.0: The “Open Zen” Experience?
The global Zen2.0 Conference, an annual event founded in 2017 in Kamakura, Japan, is our way to bring people together in the spirit of “open Zen”. This year, we are pleased to announce the launch of Zen2.0: The “Open Zen” Experience on Sunday, October 13th, 2024. This is a new event on the final day of the Zen2.0 Conference, created specifically for English-speaking communities in Japan and from around the world. You are invited to join us as we venture on this journey to explore unity, consciousness and the realization of true self.
Building a Mindful Planet Together
The “Open Zen” Experience is more than just an event; it is a movement towards the realization of a truly mindful, meta-cognitive, and compassionate planet. The overall theme of the 2024 Zen2.0 Conference is “Touching the Earth”, and we seek to resonate with all forms of life sharing our planet, working towards a harmonious and interconnected world. By connecting to our true selves through meditative contemplation, we strive to learn from the laws of nature and foster deep connections within our community, embodying the essence of Zen and cultivating inner wisdom.
Values of Zen2.0, borrowed from the Three Jewels of Buddhism
Becoming aware of
our True Selves
Learn from
the laws of Nature
Deep Connection with others and the community
Why attend?
LEARN THE WISDOM OF ZEN THAT CAPTIVATED MANY
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Learn the benefits and time-honored, ancient strategies of Zen practices for de-stressing, enhancing focus, and creating inner peace used by icons like Steve Jobs for Apple product design, Major League Basketball player and coach Phil Jackson, and undefeated Samurai legend Miyamoto Musashi.
AN AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCE LIKE NO OTHER
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Immerse yourself in an authentic, one-of-a-kind Japanese experience in a friendly, welcoming environment in Kamakura. And enjoy the lovely temple grounds.
BACKED BY MODERN SCIENCE
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Explore scientifically-proven strategies for mental cognition, attention/focus and clarity for students and adults. Citations available
BE PART OF AN OPEN ZEN COMMUNITY
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Join a friendly and inclusive community of English speaking individuals passionate about practicing Zen. Our community is open to all spiritual backgrounds, providing a supportive space for everyone to learn, grow, and connect. Engage with like-minded individuals and be part of a movement to foster mindfulness and holistic well-being.
SPEAKERS
Rev. Nanrei Yokota
Head priest of Engaku-ji Temple of Rinzai sect of Zen
President of Hanazono University
Born in Shingu City, Wakayama Prefecture in 1964, Nanrei graduated from Tsukuba University in 1987, and while still a student, he was ordained as a Buddhist priest.
He has made numerous appearances on NHK radio, Engakuji Nichiyu Sermons, lectures, etc. His books include "Rinzai Roku ni Manabu" and "Jugyu Zu ni Manabu - Inquiring about the True Self" (Chichi Shuppansha), "Encountering Zen" and "Zen Breathing - 'Kenko' wa Shirakakukan Kara" (Shunju-sha), "To Live a Never Again Life" (PHP Research Institute), "Where is the Panda? (Seigensha) and many others.
Benjamin Boas
Author
Benjamin Boas was born in New York in 1983 and moved to Japan in 2007 to study gambling at Kyoto University on a Fulbright Fellowship. He has been organizing bilingual Zen meditation events in Kamakura since 2011.
Benjamin is an official advisor to the Japanese government's international cultural promotion efforts, known as Cool Japan. He makes appearances on Japanese news and entertainment television programs to discuss tourism policy and has been featured on Nikkei News Plus 9, CNBC Asia, and NHK World.
Benjamin is the author of three Japanese-language books and has had work published by Studio Ghibli, Shogakukan, Mizuho Bank, Junior Chamber International Japan, CrossMedia Publishing, and The Japan Times.
His first English-language book, Zen Bar Mitzvah, is scheduled to be published next year.
Rev. Soin Fujio
Chief Priest, Dokuon-ji Temple
Soin Fujio is the 15th Chief Priest of Dokuonji, a historic Zen temple affiliated with the Kencho-ji school of the Rinzai sect, with over 400 years of history.
Born and raised in this temple environment, he is an experienced instructor in Zen practices, including Zazen (seated meditation) and Dōzen (movement meditation based on Tai Chi).
With a background in international banking in his youth, Soin Fujio brings a unique perspective to his teachings, dedicating his life to guiding others in spiritual growth and mindfulness. He has also volunteered to support those affected by suicide and mental health challenges for over 20 years.
https://dokuonji.jp/
https://x.gd/OA9du (article from 2014)
Momoe
Founder of ZenEating
Momoe is the founder of ZenEating™, a mindfulness and wellness program that applies the art of eating to meditation. Momoe has provided ZenEating Eating Meditation as a mindfulness, well-being, and team-building program for Google U.S. headquarters, Panasonic, and McKinsey&co. She helps people to experience the joy of life by eating in a way that sharpens their physical senses and helps them to feel more in tune with their minds and reduce the tension in their shoulders.
In the ZenEating work, you will experience a meditative way of eating, such as ” placing your chopsticks after each bite and eating 6 bites in 10 minutes”. ZenEating has been inspired by Zen spirituality and has helped 1,600 people over 30 countries to find peace of mind in 10 months.
Her book “ZenEating -Eating Meditation” was published in winter 2021.
Lenzan Kudo
Shakuhachi performer
Lenzan graduated from the Graduate School of Music, Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music. He has made blowing Zen, the original performance of the shakuhachi, his life’s work, and is spreading the shakuhachi from Kamakura, the city of Zen. He has found commonalities between his own philosophy from childhood and Zen philosophy, and has also studied yoga, Rolfing, Alexander Technique, Chinese Qigong, and other forms of physicality. He opened the shakuhachi dojo “Kodo” at “Zenkyoin” in the precincts of Kenchoji Temple in Kita-Kamakura. By picking bamboo and making shakuhachi himself, he embodies the Zen flow.
He also established LENZAN ART production in March 2020. He is active in a wide range of activities, including composing music, total production of performances, and writing essays.
Engaku-ji Temple
Engakuji-Temple was founded in 1282 under the patronage of Hojo Tokimune, the 8th regent of the Kamakura shogunate. Over the years, it has been recognized as one of the most important Zen Buddhist temple complexes in Japan and is ranked second among Kamakura's Five Mountains.
Today, Engakuji is treasured as one of the ancient Japanese Zen temples, featuring traditional temple architecture in a peaceful, natural setting. Engakuji welcomes visitors for meditation sessions and Zen sermons all year-round.
COLLABORATE WITH Zen2.0 (“TOUCHING THE EARTH”) - SPONSORSHIPS AVAILABLE
We believe that the journey to a more mindful and compassionate planet is a collective effort. We invite individuals, communities, and organizations to collaborate with us, bringing their unique perspectives and strengths to this shared vision. Your support through sponsorship and partnership can help us expand our reach and impact, making Zen2.0 - The “Open Zen” Experience accessible to more people around the world.
We are excited to embark on this journey with you. Let us come together to create an open, inclusive, and harmonious community. Together, we connect with the earth and build a Mindful-Compassionate Planet for all.
Program
Section
11:00
(optional) Garden Walk (separate ticket purchase required)
individually or group (guided tour available)
12:10 - 13:10
(optional) Zen Eating (Bento Included separate ticket purchase required)
Momoe
1) 13:30 - 13:45
Opening Suizen Performance
Lenzan Kudo
2) 13:45 - 14:10
Greetings & Zazen
Rev. Nanrei Yokota
3) 14:20 - 15:30
Talk (40min) / QA (30min)
Yokota Roshi x Benjamin Boas
4) 15:40 - 15:55
Dozen (Moving Meditation)
Rev. Soin Fujio
5) 16:00 - 16:20
Shakyo (Sutra Writing)
Rev. Soin Fujio
6) 16:20 - 16:40
Closing words by Yokota Roshi & Zen2.0, Dialogue
Ticket
Information
DATE: October 13th (sun)
TIME: Main sessions: 13:30-16:30
Optional Garden Walk & Zen Eating Lunch: 11:00-13:30
Zen2.0 The Open Zen Experience Event Information
VENUE: Engakuji Temple, (short walk from JR Kita-Kamakura Station)
Tickets
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Early Bird Ticket 7,800 JPY
- Regular Ticket 8,800 JPY
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Student Ticket 5,800 JPY
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Optional Garden Walk & ZenEating Lunch 2,000 yen
(Lunch and Garden Viewing will be prior to event start)
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No reproduction or republication without written permission.