Hi, we've started holding our Buddhist meditation meetings again. We hold our meetings free of charge in the mediation room at the Tokyo University Buddhists Association (see map below). Everyone is welcome, and the meetings are suitable for beginners and anyone who'd like to try some Zen Buddhist meditation.
We start off with an hour of sitting meditation (zazen) combined with walking meditation (kinhin) from 11:00 to 12 noon. (I put the start time as 10:50 in case anyone wants a little bit of instruction before sitting). After that we have a break for about 50 minutes. Then from 1:00 pm we do zazen meditation again for 30 minutes, and after that we have a talk for about 50 minutes where we usually go over Buddhist philosophy based on the teachings of Master Dogen in his text, Shobogenzo.
The schedule is:
10.50 - 11.10 Arrival and introduction
11.10 - 11.30 Zazen (Sitting meditation )
11.30 - 11.40 Kinhin (Walking meditation)
11.40 - 12.00 Zazen
12.00 - 12.50 Break (lunch/coffee)
12.50 - 13.00 Instruction (if needed)
13.00 - 13.30 Zazen
13.40 - 14.30 Talk about Buddhism (optional)
It's fine to come to only the first part (11.00-12.00) or the second part (12.50-14.30) , or to both.
Directions:
From Hongo-sanchome station on the Marunouchi line, turn right after passing through the ticket barrier, and follow the alley out to the main street. The building where the meetings are held is across the street.
If you're coming from Hongo-sanchome station on the Oedo line, take exit no. 5 and turn to the left after leaving the station. Follow the main street and then turn left again at the corner with the traffic lights.
The entrance to the Tokyo University Buddhists Association is next to the Nicos travel agency (just behind the bus stop).
Here is a link to the place on Google Maps:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/MZyf6ZTnYB9v2LA88
Also, please check the map at: http://www.zen.ie/hongomap.pdf
There's a video with directions at: https://youtu.be/kQ9TivDHTOk
See you there!