Kosui Senyo

the temple has become a home, and  now feel a deeper connection to it.

It has been a week since my temple stay ended. Through this experience, I was able to achieve all the goals I had for my Zen retreat, and I gained even greater insights. It’s a bit long, but I’d like to reflect and summarize the experience.

Reflections, Insights, and Changes

1. Improvement of Daily Habits

Before the Zen retreat, your daily life lacked structure and you were often distracted. After six days, you’ve learned to move quickly and rest when needed, focusing on the task at hand without distractions like social media.

2. Understanding the Temple

You’ve deepened your understanding of the temple and its significance, moving from an intellectual appreciation of Taigu Roshi and his teachings to experiencing the interconnectedness of all activities at the temple. Through practical engagement with the monks and fellow practitioners, the temple has become a home, and  now feel a deeper connection to it.

3. Understanding Buddhist Practice—Current State and Challenges

You thought you understood the teachings of Daigu Roshi intellectually, but through your time at the temple, you came to see what you were missing and what needed attention in your own practice. The monks guided you through this process, and you realized that you hadn’t been fully embodying the teachings. This experience helped you gain greater awareness of your own shortcomings and how to improve.

4. Harmonizing with Others

You entered the retreat with the intention to live harmoniously with others, and through moments of self-reflection, you were able to grow in your ability to interact more cooperatively. You learned the importance of awareness and how to contribute to the environment through collaboration, understanding that both efficiency and the process of work are important.

Applying the Learnings to Future Life

1. Awareness of Self and Others

Since leaving the temple, you’ve noticed a shift in how you view the world and the people in it. You want to maintain the awareness you gained at the temple and continue applying it in everyday life, even when you face challenges outside of the supportive temple environment.

2. Early Bedtime, Early Rising, and Quick Action

You have become better at waking up early but still struggle with going to bed early. You plan to continue self-discipline in order to avoid falling back into old habits and to remain swift and purposeful in your actions.

3. Physical Activity and Healing

After returning home, you experienced swelling in your feet, likely due to transitioning from a physically active temple lifestyle to one where you sit more. You’ve found comfort in continuing physical activity, such as cleaning each morning, and now realize that movement helps you feel better, even though you had previously believed you couldn’t do much due to physical discomfort. You’ve also incorporated a new practice with an FMT pillow to support your body’s healing.

You are deeply grateful for the six days spent at the temple and the lessons you’ve learned. The emotional weight of the experience still resonates with you, and you look forward to applying what you’ve gained in your everyday life. You hope to continue learning and growing within the Sangha, returning to the temple for more training when the time is right.

You offer your heartfelt prayers for the health and happiness of Daigu Roshi, the monks, and all those you met at the temple, eagerly anticipating the day you can reconnect with them.

Gassho