Hiya, hope you’re having a good summer. We’re a couple of weeks back from the Zen enlightenment trip to Japan, but I haven’t been able to post as the site’s been under maintenance. Nine people, mostly from London, spent two weeks at Gyokuryuji temple in the mountains of central Japan, studying Zen with the Zen Master, Shinzan Roshi. I want to let you know the trip was FANTASTIC!!! In the first week we did a sesshin, an intensive Zen retreat with the focus of experiencing first-hand, the enlightenment that the Zen masters have talked about down the centuries. Shinzan Roshi used his special “group sanzen” method which speeds up the process so that the student can quickly go deep. A number of students did very well and realised for themselves their true nature.

In the second week we explored how the experience of zen enlightenment has given rise to a whole culture. We practised tea ceremony, Japanese cooking and martial arts, we visited Zen gardens and temples. In addition some students intensified their personal practice through solitary retreats in the mountains.

“It was an amazing experience,” psychologist Hazel Dewert reported. I’ve never experienced such peace,” said business manager, Mila Clement-Horton. While potter, John Pollex said, “When I realised my true nature, I just couln’t stop laughing.”

Good news is, the trip was such a success we’ve been invited back to Japan in May 2010. Gyokuryuji temple where we practice is small so early booking is highly recommended. Email zenways@london.com if you’d like to go through a life-changing Zen experience in Japan. Pictures to follow.

Best wishes and hope to see you soon. Daizan