Zen meditation
Paul read that it is possible to practice Zen meditation at Enkakuji Temple in Kita-Kamakura. "I live in Yokohama, so not so far away. How would I go about this. My Japanese is poor. But then the artist I read about, Hans Bauer (interviewed on the People page; Feb. 4) was German and only visiting."
As the main teaching temple in Japan, Enkajuji has a good program for studying Zen meditation throughout the year. The schedule is printed at the end of the translated leaflet handed to English-speaking visitors when they pay the entry fee. There is a daily morning practice from 6-7 a.m. at Butsuden (Buddha Hall) approached through the monumental wooden gateway. (Use the side entrance to get into the compound; the main entry point for the ticket office will be closed).
If Butsuden is still in darkness, just wait. Practitioners and the monk on duty will soon turn up. It will help if you have practiced before, but if not, attendees are usually very kind and will help and show you what to do. Sitting is done in 10-minutes sessions, so not so painful.
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