Prospectus for foundation of London Zen Dojo

Zen forms one of the main streams of Buddhism where we seek daily for our true nature through continuing practice based upon profound wisdom and philosophy. Zen originated in China and introduced to Japan mainly from 13th century, whereafter it developed independently in Japan for centuries. Zen which became well-known in the world owing to Dr. Daisetsu Suzuki is nothing more or less than the tradition of Japanese zen. Further, many people know that a variety of Japanese cultures are deeply rooted into the spirit of Japanese zen.

Practicing zen is essential for clarifying the question about your innermost being. Studying zen is inevitable to attain better understanding of Japanese cultures. This is why people from all over the world come and knock at the gate of zen.

Since the middle of last century, zen teaching and zazen practice have been transferred to European countries for more than fifty years. So many zen groups were organized where the Dharma had been handed down from the first Japanese leader to second and third indigenous generation. However, in London the cosmopolitan city people can hardly find an appropriate Dojo to practice zazen and reliable Master to ask for teaching. I feel very sad to see that not a few people are thrown into confusion in the course of seeking for zen.

As a successor of Dharma linage, I have given rise to the firm desire to establish a standing Zen Dojo in London. Zen Dojo means a zen hall where people can practice zen training with zen master. The gate would be widely open to those who earnestly look for zen with sincerity. Atmosphere should be strict and purified enough to encourage people to dedicate themselves to zazen. This facility must do a lot to familiarize Japanese cultures by providing people with many opportunities. It may also play an important role in the world-wide release of specific messages from Japanese Buddhism.

Zen is the Way of practice and experience. Handing down a Dharma, unceasing creation makes a new tradition. It is our job to breathe new life into the old and to activate a living zen in the modern world. We are convinced that zen enables us to contribute to promotion of well-being and growth of spirituality of humankind. I sincerely hope you will understand and be extremely supportive of this challenging project.

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　Sokun in gassho

Zen Meeting for English speakers

by Rev Sokun, a zen master of Japanese Rinzai tradition.

Will soon take place in London.

If you are very interested in zen practice, come and just sit with me.

Zazen should always be focused on, but a brief talk and guidance will be given as necessary.

It is advisable to wear loose clothing and bring a small cushion.

Date/Time and Venue: to be announced

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Sokun Roshi (Rev Dr Sokun): Zen master of Japanese Rinzai Tradition

Born in 1954. After graduation from Kyoto University he was trained as a zen monk for 15 years in Tenryuji Monastery, Kyoto. He is the dharma successor of Seiko Hirata Roshi, the former chief abbot of Tenryuji-School. Sokun Roshi achieved the top of the hierarchy when he was 38, at an unprecedentedly young age. For seven years he served in the highest position of Rinzai zen sect in Japan. Then he turned himself to the medical world. He entered medical school and became a physician at the age of 51. End of life care has been his primary concern. He advocates the "peri-thanatal science" in order to clarify the dying process physically, mentally and spiritually. Since 2010, he has been involved in a clinical research of an integrated medicine in London. At the moment he is probably only one zen master in Britain who is legitimately qualified in the Japanese Rinzai tradition. In his 30s to 40s he used to come to Germany and Holland to have annual zen retreats. Now again he is very keen to retransmit the genuine Rinzai zen from the East to the West.