Heading to the 'Final Boss' of Jodo Shu Training: The Kegyo at Zojoji Temple Begins

From today until the 27th, the 'Denshu Denkai Dojo' is being held at Zojoji Temple.

The 'Denshu Denkai Dojo,' or 'Kegyo' (ascetic training), is the 'final stage' to becoming a formal monk.
It is a Jodo Shu training program with an incredible 'final boss' vibe.

It is held for three weeks every December at either Chion-in Temple in Kyoto or Zojoji Temple in Tokyo, and only monk candidates who meet the requirements can take on the challenge.

It is a super important training that you can only undergo once in your lifetime.

The general public is welcome to observe the morning services starting at 6:00 AM.
(Details such as access are posted on the Zojoji Temple official website.)

I personally completed this training last year, which marked the milestone 850th anniversary of the founding of the sect.

The cover photo is a screenshot from a video a friend took for me.

It's not every day that a regular friend of yours suddenly becomes a monk, so 🤣
My friends came to watch.
But, as you'd expect, everyone was shaven-headed and dressed exactly the same.
It was harder than finding a child at a sports day, and since I'm fairly tall, I blended in completely with the men.
No one could find me 💦
However, everyone said it was beyond their imagination, they were overwhelmed, and they were glad they went ⤴
They said it's something you have to experience at least once in your life 😳

I don't think you'd ever go if you didn't know about it, so please take this opportunity to visit 🙌

It's not about joining the Jodo Shu sect or anything like that, but with all the grim news flooding the world,
maybe just for a change of pace ⤴️
I think it will make your heart feel a little lighter.

In particular, the Nenbutsu and prayers echoed by a large group of monks are something truly special.

It will definitely cleanse your heart and leave you feeling purified.

If your schedule allows, please try to visit at least once 😌

#MomentsThatMovedMyHeart
#UnknownWorld
#YouShouldGoSeeThis
#UpdatingDailyLife
#LifeChangingExperience