A.N.

At that time, the way I perceived "training" has changed significantly now that the temple stay has ended.

Dear Venerable Taigu, all the monks, and everyone at Fukugonji, thank you so much for your support over the six days.

The six days of the temple stay provided me with more learning and emotional experiences than I had ever imagined.

This time, I participated in the temple stay with my husband. I remember being deeply moved and surprised by his sincerity during our greeting to the main deity, which almost brought me to tears. It was at that moment that I felt my body and mind become more focused. During the greeting, I vowed to “do my best every day at what I can,” but the way I understood “training” at that time has changed greatly now that the temple stay has ended. I had thought that training was something like intense club activities, constantly requiring endurance or speed, and always being a battle with oneself.

However, I now understand that quiet reflection, taking breaks in consultation with my body and mind, doing tasks not only efficiently but also with focus on the subject, and performing actions thoughtfully for others—these are all important aspects of training. I learned that everything can be a form of training.

When doing something, I want to consciously balance the urgency of the situation with the mindfulness of the task, keeping in mind both the person and the situation.

Also, because there was little casual conversation and many quiet moments during the temple stay, I found myself engaging in more self-reflection and decision-making than usual. I realized that I am not very confident in myself and tend to ask others for advice when making decisions. I often asked, “I think this, but do you think it’s okay? Or should I do this instead?” I also noticed that, even when I saw someone in need on the street, I hesitated and often kept my distance, watching from afar. Perhaps sensing this trait in me, one of the monks told me, “Don’t overthink whether you’re being too pushy or doing too much. Just try, and if you make a mistake, it’s okay to be scolded.” From now on, I will remember this advice and act on what I believe to be good deeds.

In addition, I realized that my understanding of “consideration” and “doing things for others” was still lacking. This insight came from the monks’ words, and I will work on putting myself more in others’ shoes and choosing my words and actions with greater thoughtfulness. I want to move from merely seeming considerate and doing things in a way that “seems for others” to truly practicing consideration and selflessness.

I also learned that by doing things daily and consistently, you can notice many changes. Over the course of the temple stay, I was amazed by the physical and mental changes I experienced, as well as the transformations in others. Tasks that I had found difficult, both physically and mentally, became enjoyable and even exciting as the days went on. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed and wanted to do the work. Watching the other participants change and grow, I found myself moved to tears. I am deeply grateful for the support and strength I received from everyone in the Sangha. At first, I was a little worried about whether I would truly become good friends with everyone, but by the time we parted ways, I felt so fond of everyone that I was sad to leave and truly happy to have met them.

The day after I returned home, my husband and I went shopping together. Normally, I would have gotten tired if I had been out until the evening or carried heavy bags, but this time we both had more energy and returned home feeling refreshed. I realized that physical strength is essential for maintaining mental calmness and kindness. I now want to incorporate fitness into my daily routine.

During the temple stay, I also learned that physical and mental ease can lead to compassion. While I love my family and friends and have always wanted to help them, I never fully understood the sense of helping “someone I don’t know.” However, when I saw one of the monks quickly move a large stone to the side of the road or pick up trash during our walk outside Fukugenji, I realized this might be what compassion feels like.

On the fifth day of the temple stay, while pulling weeds, I felt the urge to remove the weeds around a bench, thinking, “If someone sits here, I hope they can enjoy it a little more comfortably.” In that moment, I felt a genuine desire to do something for others, which made me happy.

There were also other surprises. Despite not doing any skincare, my husband and I both found our cheeks smoother. Perhaps it was thanks to the delicious and body-nourishing food at the temple and the good sweat from our daily tasks. When I went shopping for groceries after returning home, I noticed that I was choosing different items than usual.

I’m also very glad that I was able to participate with my husband. The day after the temple stay, we greeted the altar together first thing in the morning. We cleaned the altar, performed the ash and water offerings, and I was surprised to find that the ash didn’t just harden over time, as I had thought, but actually had a lot of incense still left in it.

When I enter the kitchen, I now greet the kitchen, as I did when entering the temple kitchen. Before meals, we chant “The Five Contemplations” before eating. From now on, I plan to incorporate ”zazen” into our daily practice. I want to continue practicing what I’ve learned and felt, making sure these lessons don’t fade away, with my husband, who is also part of the Sangha.

At first, I wondered whether I would be able to think of temple life as “fun” and “wanting to continue,” but gradually, I started to feel at ease with life at the temple. I was so happy with this change that I couldn’t help but smile. I loved the freshness of running down the hill toward the morning sun, the croaking of the bullfrogs, the sound of chanting, the silence, the cute goats, the feeling of running on gravel, and the satisfaction of finishing cleaning… there were so many things I came to love.

More than before, I find joy in the ordinary things of daily life and realize how much difference it makes to live in the present moment. Today, my husband and I spent the day saying “Isn’t this fun?” about the little things in our lives.

There’s so much more I could write, but I’ve learned and realized so many important things.

The monks were wonderful people, far beyond what words can express. I will continue to work hard every day to become more like them.

This has become quite long, but I truly appreciate you taking the time to read this to the end. I feel that everything I have learned is thanks to all of you. I am deeply grateful for this wonderful opportunity.

May everyone at Fukugonji always be happy. Thank you so much.