First, a KSGG member lectured on “The Kamakura Period and its Historical Meaning” and “Bushido and Zen.” None of the students had known about Kamakura, but his 30-minute introduction inspired their yearning for the unknown.
They joined other KSGG members at Kita-Kamakura Station at 11:30 to visit Chojuji Temple, which is a sub-temple of Kenchoji Temple and was built by Shogun Takauji Ashikaga in 1336. It was so nobly well-kept that we were struck by its quietness the moment we entered its premise. Everyone turned silent. The chief priest preached, referring to the 5 Buddhism Lessons, “We don’t eat for fun; we eat for accomplishing our ascetic training,” and talked about their table manners. We had lunch in accordance with the traditional practice. In sitting in meditation, the students learned how to sit and breathe easily, keeping it on perfectly with their flexible bodies. Only the dry sounds of warning sticks the monks made by slapping were heard in the hall.
A KSGG member thought that, although the students could not have reached the spirit of Zen, they must remember the tranquility and solemnity they experienced together with the nice breeze in Kamakura. Also, she hoped this experience of theirs would help them enrich their life in the future.
They joined other KSGG members at Kita-Kamakura Station at 11:30 to visit Chojuji Temple, which is a sub-temple of Kenchoji Temple and was built by Shogun Takauji Ashikaga in 1336. It was so nobly well-kept that we were struck by its quietness the moment we entered its premise. Everyone turned silent. The chief priest preached, referring to the 5 Buddhism Lessons, “We don’t eat for fun; we eat for accomplishing our ascetic training,” and talked about their table manners. We had lunch in accordance with the traditional practice. In sitting in meditation, the students learned how to sit and breathe easily, keeping it on perfectly with their flexible bodies. Only the dry sounds of warning sticks the monks made by slapping were heard in the hall.
A KSGG member thought that, although the students could not have reached the spirit of Zen, they must remember the tranquility and solemnity they experienced together with the nice breeze in Kamakura. Also, she hoped this experience of theirs would help them enrich their life in the future.