C.N.

Experiencing this made me reflect: Am I truly dedicating myself fully to my daily work?

To Everyone at Fukugonji Temple,

Thank you so much for allowing me to participate in the temple stay. It has already been almost a week since the experience, and I can feel a clear change in myself compared to before I joined.

There were many lessons and realizations throughout the stay, but I would like to share three that left the deepest impression on me.

Living with Modesty

On the first day, we were told, “Please act with modesty throughout this week.” I started the temple stay with a question mark in my head, wondering, What does it really mean to be modest? For example, I had to be mindful not to engage in casual conversations during meals or while moving from place to place—practicing “modesty in speech.” (Honestly, this was the hardest part for me!) However, as I followed this practice, my senses sharpened—I began to notice the sound of birds, feel the breeze on my skin, and appreciate the natural sweetness of rice. It made me realize how much I usually let my awareness drift unconsciously, instead of being fully present in each moment.

Meals at the Temple

There were many formal rituals to follow at the temple, and learning them was quite a challenge—especially during meals! Before eating, we had to recite a long sutra and go through various procedures before finally being able to take a bite. During the first two days, the silence at mealtime was almost unsettling—I could hear nothing but the sound of chewing and even my stomach growling. I also received constant corrections on my manners, which at first felt like I was just being forced to follow the rules. However, as time went on, I began to feel a sense of harmony with those around me, sharing the experience of “eating from the same pot of rice.” When I understood the meaning and intent behind each ritual, my movements naturally became more refined. By the third day, mealtime had transformed into a truly peaceful and pleasant moment. (Most of all, I was deeply moved by how beautifully and mindfully the disciples performed each ritual—it was mesmerizing to watch.)

Living in the Present, Because the Future is Uncertain

During the training, we were not given a schedule in advance, nor were we allowed to use smartphones or even wear a watch. With no clear sense of time, all we could do was immerse ourselves in the task at hand. For someone like me, who usually schedules every detail of the day and systematically completes tasks, this was a completely new and fascinating experience.

Even something as simple as weeding was different—I wasn’t just pulling out plants absentmindedly but instead feeling how the roots were gripping the earth as I removed them. When trimming bamboo branches, I focused on how to make each cut clean and effortless. The sense of fulfillment after completing a task, combined with the refreshing feeling of a post-labor shower, was beyond words! Experiencing this made me reflect: Am I truly dedicating myself fully to my daily work?

Although I am slowly being swept back into the flow of daily life… I’ve started incorporating small mindful practices, like neatly arranging my shoes or tidying up spaces after using them. Even such simple habits bring a sense of order and allow me to go about my day feeling refreshed. By focusing on the present, I’ve noticed a clearer distinction between work and daily life, leaving my mind feeling much lighter. Even when writing work emails, I now find myself thinking, Is this phrased clearly for the recipient? Would including this document be helpful? I have become more mindful in my communication, striving to act with sincerity. Maybe I’m overthinking it, but I feel that I’ve been able to build better, more positive relationships with my colleagues as a result. In the end, everything is about how we choose to perceive things.

As my full-body muscle soreness slowly fades, I almost feel a little sad… .

The good habits I cultivated during this temple stay are ones I hope to continue in my everyday life.

Thank you again, truly, from the bottom of my heart!