KOSO GOTAN-E

Dogen Zenji’s Birthday Service

A service is held in January celebrating the birth of Dogen Zenji, the founder of Soto Zen School as well as of the temple Daihonzan Eiheiji. Dogen Zenji was born in Kyoto on January 2nd 1200 CE (January 26th as per Gregorian calendar). In Sotoshu temples on this day are conducted two ceremonies to celebrate his birth, one in the morning and the other in the afternoon. In the morning ceremony, a scroll with a painting of Dogen is hung in the Lecture Hall (Hatto). A pail is placed in front of the painting containing holy hot water in which incense (aloes & sandal wood) have been boiled. In the afternoon is the ceremony of appreciation (Ho-on Koshiki). Special shomyo Buddhist music is chanted as an expression of gratitude.

Hinotori An celebrates this day with intense zazen practice and service including Hannya Shingyo chant.