Y.K.

Through this experience, I realized how often I had been swayed by my desires and lived caught up in delusions.

During this temple stay, I received so much guidance and support from the monks-in-training. Through each of their actions and teachings, I was able to spend a truly valuable week filled with learning. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude.

Through this experience, I realized how often I had been swayed by my desires and lived caught up in delusions. For example, when it came to food, I used to feel unsatisfied without meat or sweets. But during the stay, I was surprised by how deeply satisfied I felt when I mindfully savored the simple yet nourishing meals (yakuseki) we were served.

I was also deeply moved by the precision and unity of the monks’ movements and chanting. This made me realize the importance of synchronizing with those around me, and I became keenly aware of how little attention I normally pay to my surroundings. I also confronted the reality of my own shortcomings—my lack of foresight, and how slow I can be to retain things. Looking back, I believe I had been behaving in a clumsy and inconsiderate way in both my work and family life, often without even realizing it. Having come to this realization, I now understand the importance of humbly accepting my imperfections and steadily working to improve, one step at a time.

Despite my shortcomings, I was supported by many other participants throughout the stay, and I learned a great deal from them as well. I was able to experience the meaning of sangha, the spiritual community, that Taigu Oshō often speaks about.

Taigu Oshō once said, “Cleaning is a form of physical exercise,” and I finally understood what he meant through the samu (temple labor). Unlike regular cleaning at home, it involved moving the entire body with speed and intention—leaving me sore all over by the end. This experience inspired me to incorporate cleaning into my daily routine, both at home and at work, as a form of physical movement. I also learned that even when working quickly, each movement must be performed with care and attention. Reflecting on my usual habits, I realized that I often rush and act carelessly, which may have been one of the reasons why things didn’t always go well. Going forward, I want to carry out all my tasks—starting with cleaning—both efficiently and mindfully, in order to bring order and intention into my daily life.

I also learned, through meditation, how to distance myself from delusions. However, while working during samu, I noticed that even if I recognized when I was caught in a delusion, I would quickly fall back into it again. On the final day, I was taught that rather than trying not to be distracted by delusions, it’s more important to simply focus on the task at hand. I want to hold on to this insight and cultivate the habit of concentrating on what’s in front of me in daily life.

Through this temple stay, I feel I was able to experience and embody the kind of person I aspire to become. I will cherish what I have been taught and strive to reflect these lessons in my actions as I move forward in daily life.