Activities
There are three Buddhism-related lessons available for the general public at Iwayaji, in which you can see, learn, and experience the teachings of Buddha. Through the lessons of Ajikan meditation, sutra copying, and tracing of a picture of a Buddhist image, you can get free of miscellaneous notions of everyday life to find peace of mind. This would be an excellent opportunity to feel the existence of Buddha and learn the teachings of Kobo Daishi.
Ajikan meditation
(a meditation method unique to the Shingon Esoteric Buddhism)
Ajikan is a meditation method unique to the Shingon Esoteric Buddhism, although Zen meditation of Zen Buddhism may be better known. In Ajikan meditation, participants sit in a cross-legged position giving attention to every breath of their own under the guidance of an officiating priest while seeing a scroll hung in front of them with half an eye, on which a calligraphed Sanskrit character “a” is written.
Meditation lessons take place in Henjo-kaku, which stands at a corner of the temple precinct. The building was completed in 2014 and it is still filled with the smell of timber. Overlooking the surrounding rich nature, this extraordinary space provides participants with an opportunity to experience one of the most important ascetic practices of the Shingon Esoteric Buddhism.
[Lesson flow]
1. An officiating priest talks about the meaning and method of Ajikan meditation.
2. Lesson starts. Starting from a short period of time, the length of each meditation is gradually made longer.
3. Lesson finishes. After the lesson, there is an opportunity to talk with the priest over a cup of tea with some confectionery.
| [Date & time] *Reservation required | |
| Saturday (once a month) | 14:00 – 15:30 |
| Sunday (once a month) | 10:30 – 12:00 |
| Weekdays *Date & time will be coordinated on request when making a reservation. | |
| *Due to the space constraints, the number of participants per session is limited to five to fifteen. *For lessons on Saturdays, Sundays, please check the calendar, make a reservation at least three days in advance. |
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| [Fees] | 2,000 yen/person (incl. tea and confectionery) |
| [Notes for participants] *Please wear clean and relaxing clothes for Ajikan meditation. *Since you sit in a cross-legged position, wearing a skirt would not be recommended. *Those with difficulty sitting in a cross-legged position can take part sitting on a chair. |
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Buddhist Experience vol. 1
Experience Ajikan meditation.
– Meeting the inner self –
Ajikan is a meditation method unique to the Shingon Esoteric Buddhism, although Zen meditation of Zen Buddhism may be better known. In Ajikan meditation, participants sit in a cross-legged position giving attention to every breath of their own while seeing a scroll hung in front of them with half an eye, on which a calligraphed Sanskrit character “a” is written. …Click for more
Sutra copying
Sutra copying is one of the more familiar practical Buddhist trainings that anyone can practice. Copying a sutra character by character after composing oneself would give one’s mind a focus, enabling reversion to humility and peace of mind.
Special-purpose papers for tracing an example are available, which make copying easier even for beginners.
| [Date & time] *Reservation required | |
| Saturday (once a month) | 14:00 – 15:30 |
| Sunday (once a month) | 10:30 – 12:00 |
| Weekdays *Date & time will be coordinated on request when making a reservation. | |
| *Due to the space constraints, the number of participants per session is limited to five to fifteen. *For lessons on Saturdays, Sundays, please check the calendar, make a reservation at least three days in advance. *Tracing of a picture of a Buddhist image is conducted sitting on a chair. |
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| [Fees] | 1,500 yen/person (incl. dedication fee) |
Tracing of a picture of a Buddhist image
Place a piece of paper over a picture of a Buddhist image and trace it slowly and carefully. Tracing the Buddhist image with one’s whole heart put into every line manifests the very image of one’s inner Buddha.
| [Date & time] *Reservation required | |
| Saturday (once a month) | 14:00 – 15:30 |
| Sunday (once a month) | 10:30 – 12:00 |
| Weekdays *Date & time will be coordinated on request when making a reservation. | |
| *Due to the space constraints, the number of participants per session is limited to five to fifteen. *For lessons on Saturdays, Sundays, please check the calendar, make a reservation at least three days in advance. *Tracing of a picture of a Buddhist image is conducted sitting on a chair. |
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| [Fees] | 1,500 yen/person (incl. dedication fee) |
Inquiries & reservations
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Ajikan meditation
Sutra copying/Tracing of a picture of a Buddhist image
Reservations for the above lessons can be made at 88iwaya45@gmail.com.
Due to the space constraints,
the number of participants per session is limited to five to fifteen.