ZEN INTRO HALF-DAY SESSHIN

MEMORIAL SESSHIN FOR MISSEN MEIHO MICHEL BOVAY

Meiho Missen Michel Bovay (1944 - 22.04.2009)

Michel Bovay was born in Monthey, Switzerland, in 1944. In his youth he was a successful musician, composer and producer and played in various bands, of which the rock band "The Sevens" in particular caused a sensation in the 1960s. 

In 1972 he met the Japanese Zen master Taisen Deshimaru becoming his student and assistant, following him to Paris and supporting him until his death in 1982. As a close student, trusted collaborator and organizer, he was instrumental in helping Master Deshimaru spread Zen throughout Europe. In the daily dealings with this extraordinary personality, he experienced Zen in the truest sense of the word in everyday life. After the death of Taisen Deshimaru in 1982, Michel Bovay became one of the main people responsible for passing on his teachings. He was designated with three other close disciples to receive confirmation of the Dharma transmission (shiho) from the abbot of Eihei-ji Temple. However, he only received it in 1998 from Yuko Okamoto Roshi of Teishoji Temple, who himself practices as a disciple of Kodo Sawaki and Deshimaru’ssupporter. Michel Bovay was confirmed as a master by the main temples of Soto-Zen, Eiheiji and Sojiji.

From 1985 to 2007, Missen Michel Bovay kept spreading Deshimaru’s teaching in the Muijo, Zen Dojo Zurich, Switzerland. Due to illness, he handed over responsibility to his oldest student, the Zen nun Eishuku Monika Leibundgut, supporting her until his death in 2009. One of his last sentences, which he repeated several times, was: “Don't rack your brains, do what brings you deep joy, but always use your wisdom."

From 1995 to 2003 he was President of the International Zen Association founded by Taisen Deshimaru.

This Sesshin focuses on proper posture, technique and discipline. It aims to bring spirit of the Deshimaru’s teachings which was transmitted by Master Missen.

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

The registration deadline is April 21, 2023, 6:00 p.m. If you have any question, dont hesitate to reach out (hinotori.zendo@gmail.com).

Schedule: Thu 07:00 – 11:00

Participants: 5

Duration: 240’

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

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GEDENK-SESSHIN FÜR MISSEN MEIHO MICHEL BOVAY

Dieses Sesshin konzentriert sich auf die Einführung in die Zen-Praxis, detaillierte Anweisungen zu Zazen und die Umsetzung des gerade Gelernten in die Praxis. Es richtet sich an Anfänger.

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

Anmeldeschluss ist der 21. April 2023, 18:00 Uhr. Wenn Sie Fragen haben, zögern Sie nicht, uns zu kontaktieren (hinotori.zendo@gmail.com).