Arisa Siraisi

What I learned at Fukugonji Temple was not simply “taught” to me; it was “made known” to me through my own realizations.

“Humility and openness lead to awareness.”

This was the greatest lesson I gained from this six-day temple stay.

During these six days, I lived with a humble heart in a perfectly ordered and efficient environment. In doing so, I was able to recognize things that had gone unnoticed in my normally chaotic daily life—including some harmful habits I had been unconsciously repeating.

Life at the temple is guided by its own rules. By letting go of attachment to “my own way” and accepting the monks’ corrections with sincerity, I came to realize that there are better ways of living—better habits I had never considered before.

What I learned at Fukugonji Temple was not simply “taught” to me; it was “made known” to me through my own realizations. I believe that anyone who comes with the will to grow, to improve, and to be open can have a similarly meaningful and transformative experience.

There is a passage in the sutras that says, “All things are impermanent; all who meet must eventually part.”

On the final morning during chōka (morning service), as I listened to the chanting of the four monks who had taken such good care of us, tears began to flow naturally. It was then I realized how truly full and blessed these six days had been.

Although today marks the end of the temple stay, I believe the real practice begins now. And in thinking so, I find great strength in knowing that the monks who guided me and the 善友 (spiritual friends) who trained alongside me can now truly be called companions.

Thank you for reading this long message, and most of all,

Thank you very much for everything you have done for me.