About Antaiji
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Antaiji is a temple devoted to Zen practice as a natural expression of life.
Zazen and work are not simply practiced as one part of life, rather all 24 hours of your daily life itself are to be the manifestation of Zen. Antaiji has no other special practices, teachings, meditation techniques, insights or spiritual guidance to offer you. Nor is it a place to get in touch with the mystery of the East, have occult experiences or just have a taste of Japanese culture.
This is a place where you can create your own life as bodhisattva practice. Although you
are expected to live harmoniously with the other practioners at Antaiji, the responsibility for your practice lies solely with yourself. There is no one to live your life for you. Nobody will wipe your ass for you.
What is most important is not to use the buddha way for your own purposes, but rather to give up your own ideas and throw yourself completely into the practice of the way. For this, you should be clear about the basis of your practice and the motive that brings
you here. If you expect anything other from your stay than what life at this
precise moment has to offer you, you will invariably be disappointed. Make sure
you know why you want to come here - do not fool yourself or others.
Our life consists of zazen, religious study and hard physical labor, which serves to support our practice. Anyone who is serious
about pure Zen practice in the tradition of Dogen Zenji, the founder of Japanese Soto Zen, is welcome at this temple.
It is possible to stay at Antaiji short term anytime between March 26th and July 6th in spring or between August 26th and November 26th in autumn. To learn more about how to apply for a stay, consult Staying at Antaiji.
