Eihei-ji Lay Practice

From the info. of Eihei-ji
1) General Information

Lay practice at Eiheiji is limited to a few scheduled periods each month,each period consisting of three nights (four days). All persons who practice at Eiheiji are expected to adhere to the full activity schedule,which is rigorous and may prove difficult for those without experience in temple routines. Please consider this before applying for a practice period.

2) Applocations An application must be received at least one month before your arrival. It should contain the following information: name,address,nationality,phone number(fax number),age,sex,occupation,condition of health,the arrival and departure dates for your preferred practice period (please also specify an alternate period in case your first choice is not possible motive for participation,and experience with zazen if none,please say so).
3) Language If you are not sufficiently fluent in Japanese to understand instructions given to you,we can provide an interpreter and assistant (but only in English)
4) Dates Closed to Lay Practice January 1-13, February 8-15, April 20-30, July 12-18, August 10-20, September 20-30, December 27-31, plus other days on which special services are held.
5) Arrival and Departure Please be sure to arrival at the temple before 2p.m. on the agreed day of arrival. Visitors cannot enter after 2p.m. On arrival, show your permission letter and wait for instructions. You may leave at about10a.m. on the day complete your practice.
6) Clothings The Hakama and kimono, which are worn for services, zazen, meals,and lectures, can be borrowed from the temple. You are expected to bring clothes suitable for cleaning and other work (these should be loose fitting and of subdued color), plus sneakers,plain white socks or white Tabi and underwear.
7) Personal Belongings Please bring needed toiletries(including toothbrush and washing towel,etc)Your valuables and books will be kept in our safe during your stay (you will not have any time for reading).
8) Fees Fees for lay practice are as follows: Lodging: 3000 yen per night (students 2000 yen)
Rental hakama and kimono: 1000 yen
Miscellaneous (Eating bowl wrapper):100 yen
Cash only

9) Schedule

(subject to change)

  • 3:30 - Shinrei (wake up bell)
  • 3:50 - Kyoten zazen (Morning zazen)
  • 5:00 - Choka (Morning service)
  • 7:00 - Shojiki (Breakfast)
  • 8:30 - Samu (Work period)
  • 10:00 - Guchu zazen (Late-morning zazen)
  • 11:00 - Nicchu (Midday service)
  • 12:00 - Chujiki (Lunch)
  • 13:00 - Samu (Work period)
  • 14:00 - Hoji zazen (Afternoon zazen)
  • 16:00 - Banka (Evening service)
  • 17:00 - Yakuseki (Evening meal)
  • 19:00 - Yaza (Evening zazen)
  • 21:00 - Kaichin (Lights out)
Other activities may include lectures, films on Eiheiji, tea breaks ,and bath times,etc. You will be informed of these activities when the occasion arises.