The Japanese word sōdō, (sometimes zendo) has two meanings. In a broad sense, it is a place for the Zen Buddhist monk to practice; in a narrow sense, it is one of seven buildings in the traditional monastic complex.

It is said that “the “Sōtō School is a Prostrations religion”. In the Sōtō School we do prostrations in many kinds of ceremonies actually. For example, in the Jukai ceremony, we do prostrations a few dozen times during …

A poem by the Chinese Ming Dynasty poet Kōkei (1336 - 1374).

Crossing the river, seeing the flowers.
Going through the side roads along the riverside…

“Why do you sit?” When asked this question, I do not have any clear answer. I have been living most of my life trying to find the truth. When I was in junior high school, I was given a copy of the Bible from my school. Every night I read it and made the sign of the cross in front of my chest. At that time I just read the Bible, I did not go to church. Then one day…

The great Precepts of all Buddhas are preserved and protected by all Buddhas. They are transmitted from Buddha to Buddha. They are transmitted from Ancestor to Ancestor. Receiving the great Precepts transcends past, present and future; practice realization penetrates throughout all time.

Shuto Daishi of Kyōgenji Temple, with the monk’s name of Shikan, who was transmitted from lsan Reiyu, once told the assembly. "For instance, if you climbed up a tree on a thousand foot cliff…