May 9th – 22nd 2010

I’m glad you’re interested in coming to Japan in 2010 to experience both the culture that gave the world Zen – the way of enlightenment and to taste that enlightenment for yourself. Here’s what we’ll be doing.

The first half of the trip will be a Zen retreat. This is for people who want to experience their own enlightenment or as we say in Zen, to “see their true nature”.

It will be an intensive week of meditation, teaching, yoga, kiko (Japanese energy work), and deep, deep investigation into the truth of yourself. Zen retreat participant, David Bernstein, wrote, “Daizan Roahi promised a life-changing experience, and he delivered on his promise.”

I’ll be doing some teaching on this retreat. But leading the event will be Miyamae Shinzan Roshi, my teacher.

Shinzan Roshi is an unorthodox and powerful teacher. After many years of relentless search for the truth, and many profound experiences of enlightenment, Shinzan Roshi began teaching in a small temple deep in the mountains of central Japan.

Later he moved to Gyokuruyji where he has combined rigorous Zen teaching with fearless work with outcasts in Japanese society.

Unswervingly commited to Kensho Zen – the way of realising your true nature. Shinzan Roshi has promulgated his vigorous and powerful teachings for many years and is now preparing for retirement. This may be a last chance to study with him and have the opportunity to experience his powerful teachings. Shinzan Roshi speaks a little English and if necessary we can translate for him.

The retreat will take place in Gyokuruyji, the temple founded over three hundred years ago by the renowned Zen Master, Bankei Zenji.

In “Studies in the History of Zen Thought” D.T. Suzuki wrote, Bankei; indeed, must be considered one of the greatest masters that Japan has ever produced.

If you’ve ever experienced practice at a place connected with a great spiritual master, you’ll know how powerful it can be. (remind me some time to tell you about my experience meditating at Bodh Gaya, the place where the Buddha realised enlightenment)

It’s important to know that Gyokuryuji temple is small and recently suffered a major fire. Accommodation is simple and Japanese-style, closer to staying in a dormitory than in a hotel.

In May the weather will be at it’s most beautiful and clement although, if you’ve seen many samurai movies, you’ll be aware that heavy rains are a feature of Japanese life.

The food will also be simple and Japanese-style. It’s extremely healthy and you may find yourself feeling extremely well on it. Flavours tend to be subtle so if you’re used to heavily spiced food, you may find it quite plain.

In the Second week of the trip you can experience many aspects of Japanese culture, there will be opportunities to try tea ceremony, aikido, Japanese cooking and brush calligraphy.

In addition you’ll have the chance to visit beautiful and powerful temples, traditional Japanese towns, and explore the wonders of the country.

Also you will have the option to go on a solitary retreat in a powerful place in the mountains – a mediation cave or mountaintop or beside a waterfall. In this time it is possible to experience whole new dimensions of your being and your connectedness with all things.

What to bring? Dress for adventure. You’ll need comfortable clothes. May is warm in Japan but in the mountains it’s possible that the evenings may be cool. Rain is always a possibility so bring waterproofs. Good footwear is important. You’ll need a sleeping bag for your time in the mountains, also toiletries. In addition to your camera, you may want to bring a notebook and pen to record insights

Health issues: Unfortunately the temple is not adapted to those in wheelchairs or with severe mobility problems. You will need traveller’s health insurance. Japan has a first class healthcare system but it is expensive. Bring your normal medicines and supplements as sometimes the exact same product is not available in Japan. You don’t need any injections before going.

Costs Japan is an expensive country and the Yen is currently strengthening. The current budget for the trip is £950 and flights are in the region of £450. Flight costs increase as we get closer to takeoff. Email daizan@london.com for the up to date cost for the trip. Once you’ve reserved your place and paid, no further supplements will be necessary and you will only need to bring  spending money for souveniers and a few meals outside the temple. Places are limited to seven people and this may be a once in a lifetime opportunity. For frequently asked questions, click here http://www.zenways.org/?page_id=240 Email daizan@london.com to reserve your place.