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Taïkan Jyoji

Taïkan Jyoji is a French Zen teacher and the European representative for the Rinzai school of Zen. He founded the Falaise Verte Zen Centre in France, the first Rinzai Zen center in Europe, and has established other Zen groups and centers. Jyoji is recognized for his extensive writings on Zen and Kyūdō and his cultural contributions, for which he received an honor from the Japanese Government.

Key Facts

  • European representative for the Rinzai school of Zen.
  • Founder of the Falaise Verte Zen Centre in France.
  • Ordained by Yamada Mumon Rōshi in 1970.
  • Received the title of Kaikyo-shi (Founding Master) for Europe in 1989.
  • Author of numerous books on Zen and KyūDō.
  • Received an honor from the Japanese Government in 2017 for cultural contributions.
Taïkan Jyoji

Important Relationships

  • Yamada Mumon Rōshi
  • Kancho Taïtsu Roshi
  • Françoise Dye
Full Name
Taïkan Jyoji
Birth Year
1941
Notable Works
  • La Source Du Vide
  • Zen Et Zazen
  • Au Coeur Du Zen
  • Exhortations Zen
  • ItinéRaire D'Un MaîTre Zen Venu D'Occident
  • L'Art Du KôAn Zen
  • Zen Au Fil Des Jours
  • Un Jour - Une Vie
  • Correspondence D'Un MaîTre Zen
  • Kyudo, Tir à L'Arc Zen
  • Les Saveurs Du Zen
  • Tagebuch Eines Zen-Meisters, Der Aus Dem Westen Kam
Associated Locations

Falaise Verte Zen Centre, ArdèChe Region, Saint Laurent Du Pape, ShōFuku-Ji, Myoshin-Ji

Influenced By

Yamada Mumon RōShi

Primary Language Of Works

French, German

Vows Taken

Ordained Monk

Role Type
Notable Status

About Taïkan Jyoji

Taïkan Jyoji, born in 1941, is a significant figure in contemporary Zen Buddhism, particularly within the Rinzai school in Europe. He holds the esteemed position of European representative for this tradition, officially installed in 1976 by Yamada Mumon Rōshi. Jyoji is widely recognized as the founder of the Falaise Verte Zen Centre, which holds the distinction of being the first Rinzai Zen center established in Europe. Under his guidance, several other Zen groups and centers have also been established and continue to be active across France and Belgium.

Zen Training and Early Life

His journey into Zen practice led him to Japan in 1964. By 1968, he had become a resident of the Zen temple Shōfuku-ji, where he was ordained by Yamada Mumon Rōshi in 1970. This period of intensive training in Japan laid the foundation for his later role as a spiritual leader. In recognition of his dedication and pioneering work in Europe, Taïkan Jyoji was bestowed the title of Kaikyo-shi, meaning Founding Master for Europe, in 1989.

The Falaise Verte Zen Centre and Contributions

The Falaise Verte Zen Centre, founded in 1987, is situated in the Ardèche region of France, near the village of Saint Laurent du Pape. This center, also known as the "Shobo-ji Temple" (Temple of the Authentic Dharma), maintains a direct link with the Myoshin-ji headtemple. The facility includes a zendo for meditation and a Kyūdō dōjō, dedicated to the practice of the Japanese art of archery. In 2010, the zendo was consecrated by a Japanese delegation of temple masters led by Kancho Taïtsu Roshi, the head of Myoshin-ji. Taïkan Jyoji's commitment to cultural exchange and the dissemination of Zen teachings has been further acknowledged by the Japanese Government, which honored him in March 2017 for his cultural contributions. He is also a prolific author, having written numerous books on Zen and Kyūdō, and is a familiar presence on the French Buddhist television program "Sagesses Bouddhistes."

Source: Wikipedia ↗

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Taïkan Jyoji?

Taïkan Jyoji is a French Zen teacher and the European representative for the Rinzai school of Zen. He is known for founding the Falaise Verte Zen Centre and for his extensive writings on Zen and Kyūdō.

When and where did Taïkan Jyoji train in Zen?

Taïkan Jyoji first traveled to Japan in 1964 and joined the Zen temple of Shōfuku-ji in 1968. He was ordained by Yamada Mumon Rōshi in 1970.

What is the Falaise Verte Zen Centre?

The Falaise Verte Zen Centre, founded by Taïkan Jyoji in 1987, is the first Rinzai Zen center in Europe. Located in the Ardèche region of France, it is also known as the "Shobo-ji Temple" and is directly linked with the Myoshin-ji headtemple.

What are some of Taïkan Jyoji's notable works?

Taïkan Jyoji has authored numerous books on Zen and Kyūdō. Some of his works include "La source du vide," "Zen et zazen," "Au coeur du Zen," and "Kyudo, tir à l'arc zen."

What recognition has Taïkan Jyoji received?

In March 2017, Taïkan Jyoji was honored by the Japanese Government, receiving a prize for his cultural contributions. He was also given the title of Kaikyo-shi (Founding Master) for Europe in 1989.