Daihonzan Chozen-ji
Daihonzan Chozen-ji is a Rinzai Zen temple established in 1972 in Kalihi Valley, Oahu, Hawaii, by Omori Sogen and Tenshin Tanouye. It is notable as the first Rinzai headquarters temple established outside of Japan, integrating meditation with martial and fine arts in its spiritual training.
Key Facts
- ›Established in 1972 by Omori Sogen and Tenshin Tanouye.
- ›Relocated to its current Kalihi Valley location in 1976.
- ›Designated as a Daihonzan (main temple and headquarters) in 1979, marking it as the first Rinzai headquarters outside Japan.
- ›Integrates spiritual training with martial arts (e.g., kendo) and fine arts (e.g., archery, ceramics).
- ›Focuses on deep spiritual training (shugyō) and cultivating 'kiai' (vibration) in all aspects of life.
- ›Has been a popular center for Hawaii's business and political elites, as well as individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Important Relationships
- Omori Sogen
- Tenshin Tanouye
- Daian Sayama
- Integration of Meditation, Martial Arts, and Fine Arts In Training
- Emphasis On Shugyō
- Cultivation of Kiai
- Establishment of the Temple Framework and Unique Perspective On Zen
- Move To Current Location In Kalihi Valley
- Designation As the First Rinzai Headquarters Temple Outside of Japan
About Daihonzan Chozen-ji
Daihonzan Chozen-ji is a Rinzai Zen temple located in the Kalihi Valley on the island of Oahu, Hawaii. Established in 1972 by Omori Sogen and Tenshin Tanouye, the temple is distinguished as the first Rinzai headquarters temple to be founded outside of Japan. Its establishment marked a significant step in bringing Zen Buddhist practice and its associated disciplines to the West.
History and Development
The genesis of Chozen-ji began in 1970 when Omori Sogen and Tenshin Tanouye, then a music teacher at Farrington High School, met in Japan. Tanouye trained under Sogen during summer vacations, and together they conceived the foundational principles for Chozen-ji. This vision integrated rigorous Zen meditation with martial arts and fine arts, creating a unique spiritual training regimen. The temple officially moved to its present location in Kalihi Valley in 1976. A pivotal moment arrived in 1979 when Omori Sogen formally designated Chozen-ji as a Daihonzan, signifying its role as the principal temple and headquarters for a new line of Zen Buddhism.
Training Approach and Philosophy
The training at Daihonzan Chozen-ji is characterized by its holistic and physically demanding approach. Spiritual development is interwoven with the practice of martial arts, such as kendo, and fine arts, including archery and ceramics. A core tenet of the temple's philosophy is the pursuit of shugyō, understood as the deepest possible spiritual training, with a strong emphasis on breath control and posture. The aim is to cultivate kiai, or vibration, in every facet of life. The temple has historically attracted a diverse following, including prominent figures from Hawaii's business and political communities, as well as individuals from all walks of life and religious backgrounds.
Leadership and Activities
The founding abbot of Daihonzan Chozen-ji was Tenshin Tanouye. The current abbot is Daian Sayama. The temple continues to be an active center for Buddhist practice, hosting daily zazen (seated meditation) sessions and offering regular classes in both fine arts and martial arts.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Daihonzan Chozen-ji founded?
Daihonzan Chozen-ji was established in 1972. It was founded by Omori Sogen and Tenshin Tanouye, who met in Japan in 1970 and began training together.
Where is Daihonzan Chozen-ji located?
The temple is situated in Kalihi Valley on the island of Oahu in Hawaii. It moved to its current location in the back of Kalihi Valley in 1976.
What makes Daihonzan Chozen-ji unique in its approach to Zen?
Chozen-ji uniquely combines intensive Zen meditation with the practice of martial arts, such as kendo, and fine arts, including archery and ceramics. This holistic approach emphasizes breath and posture for deep spiritual training and cultivating 'kiai'.
What is the significance of Daihonzan Chozen-ji being a 'Daihonzan'?
In 1979, Omori Sogen established Chozen-ji as a Daihonzan, meaning it serves as the main temple and headquarters for a new lineage of Zen. This designation made it the first Rinzai headquarters temple established outside of Japan.
Who is the current abbot of Daihonzan Chozen-ji?
The current abbot of Daihonzan Chozen-ji is Daian Sayama. The founding abbot was Tenshin Tanouye.
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