HALF-DAY SESSHIN

MEMORIAL SESSHIN FOR ROSHI TAISEN DESHIMARU

Taisen Deshimaru (弟子丸 泰仙, Deshimaru Taisen, 29 November 1914 - April 30, 1982)

Taisen Deshimaru was born in 1914 in Saga Prefecture, Kyūshū. He was raised by his grandfather, a former samurai, and his mother, who followed the Jōdo Shinshū Buddhist sect. On his way to self-realization, he came into contact with various spiritual, philosophical and religious thoughts until he finally settled in Sōtō-Zen,becoming a student of master Kodo Sawaki in 1935. He followed his teachings for 14 years and shortly before Sawaki's death in 1965, he was also ordained as a monk by him. Deshimaru's approach to Zen practice was clearly influenced not only by his upbringing and exposure to various spiritual teachings, but also by his secular lifestyle that he lived for large part of his adulthood. 

In 1967, he went to Europe to spread the teachings of Zen. He settled in Paris, where he trained many students and initiated the establishment of numerous Zen groups. In 1970, he received the Dharma transmission from Master Yamade Reirin, the superior of Eiheiji Temple, becoming also Kaikyoskan for Europe. In the same year, he founded the AZI (Association Zen Internationale). His mission to spread Zen in Europe was crowned with the founding of the Soto Zen Temple de La Gendronnière in 1979. 

He died in Tokyo in 1982, leaving behind many students who, directly or indirectly, continue to spread his approach to Zen practice not only in Europe but also beyond.

This Sesshin focuses on proper posture, technique and discipline. It aims to bring the spirit of the samurai and the principles of budo into every action - sitting, standing, walking and communicating. Just as Deshimaru tended toward raw directness rather than gently circling around the Truth, this Sesshin will follow the spirit of raw and naked Zen, cutting through mental formations as a samurai sword would cut through material form.

Communication will be in German or English, as required; Sesshin will be led by Doka Sensei.

Schedule: Thu 07:00 – 11:00 

Participants: 5

Duration: 240’

Teaching tuition: 50 CHF ( 12.5 CHF / event hour )

The registration deadline is April 29, 2023, 6:00 p.m. If you have any question, dont hesitate to reach out (hinotori.zendo@gmail.com).

-----

GEDENK-SESSHIN FÜR ROSHI TAISEN DESHIMARU

Dieses Sesshin fokusiert sich auf die richtige Körperhaltung, Technik und Disziplin. Es zielt darauf ab, den Geist der Samurai und die Prinzipien des Budo in jede Handlung zu bringen – Sitzen, Stehen, Gehen und Kommunizieren. So wie Deshimaru zu roher Direktheit tendierte, anstatt sanft um die Wahrheit zu kreisen, wird dieses Sesshin dem Geist des rohen und nackten Zen folgen und mentale Formationen durchschneiden, wie ein Samurai-Schwert durch materielle Form schneiden würde.

Die Kommunikation erfolgt je nach Bedarf in deutscher oder englischer Sprache; Sesshin wird von Doka Sensei geleitet.

Anmeldeschluss ist der 29. April 2023, 18:00 Uhr. Wenn Sie Fragen haben, zögern Sie nicht, uns zu kontaktieren (hinotori.zendo@gmail.com).