Goseiji Kenshin is a temple founded in the Heian period in Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture, and focuses on spiritual education and community exchange based on Buddhist teachings. The temple grounds include a garden and main hall, both designated as national cultural properties. Approximately 10,000 people visit the temple annually to worship and experience the temple, which serves as a place to nurture the spiritual richness of modern people.
Benefits of Zazen and Mind Seminars
The "Zazen for Beginners" meeting, held every Sunday, is always fully booked with a maximum capacity of 20 people, and the one-hour course aims to "relieve the stress of modern life" by carefully instructing participants on everything from basic sitting to breathing techniques. About 70% of the participants say that the course "relieves work fatigue," and the majority of the participants are working adults in their 30s to 50s. At the monthly "seminar for the mind," monks lead discussions on topics such as "anger management" and "gratitude," and participants often comment that the seminar gives them an opportunity to "sort out their feelings.
Content of Compassionate Education for Children
The "Children's Zen Class" (for ages 6-12), held during summer vacation and open to participants accompanied by a parent or guardian, fosters a spirit of compassion through simple Zen meditation, "practice saying kind words to others" and "creation using natural accessories" during the three-day course. In particular, the "saying nice things about each other" session gives children the opportunity to discover and verbally express the strengths of their classmates. Many parents have commented that their children have started to express their feelings in words and that sibling rivalry has decreased.
Traditional Rituals and Community Connections
On the occasion of the equinoxes and Setsubun in spring and fall, traditional ceremonies are held for public participation. For example, during the Setsubun "Mamemaki" event, the priest chants "Oni wa soto, Fuku wa ine" (the devil is outside, Fuku is inside) as he and the participants throw beans, a popular experience that attracts about 300 participants annually. On the autumnal equinox, a "tea party for ancestor memorial services" is held, where local senior citizens tell children stories about the old days and teach them how to make Japanese sweets, thus passing on the connection from generation to generation.