Residency
Living in a residential Zenbuddhist trainingtemple
Residential Training
Exploring Full-Time Practice
Residency offers the opportunity to explore what happens when Zen practice is no longer something you fit into your day, but something around which the day itself takes shape.
As a resident, the daily programme gradually becomes the framework of everyday life: getting up in the early morning, sitting together, working, studying, sharing meals and taking care of the temple.
Taking care of the Temple
Residential Life
Residents move from being guests to becoming caretakers. Tuning into the complex machinery of the temple, one learns to help out in often surprising ways. Each new way may be a challenge to the fixed ideas we have of ourselves.
Living together, we learn from one another, run into our differences, and share the responsibilities for maintaining this practice home.
Sometimes it is enjoyable, sometimes challenging – and both are part of the training.
Taking the first step
Becoming a Resident
Residency usually begins quite naturally. People first come and practise with us during a Gyōji Week. This gives them time to experience the daily rhythm, meet the community and get a feeling for our way of training.
If there is a mutual sense that a longer stay would be worthwhile, they can begin with a three month trial period. After that, residency can continue for as long as circumstances and commitment allow.
Practical Matters
Residential training includes accomodation and meals.
Financial contributions are considered individually, taking into account each person’s situation. No one will be disqualified from residency solely for financial reasons.
Over the Years
Zen Paths
Over time, one’s practice may change. What first required conscious effort gradually becomes familiar; new questions arise, responsibilities change, and one’s relationship with the community develops.
For some residents, this eventually leads to formal Buddhist commitments such as Jukai or Shukke Tokudo. Others find different ways to deepen their practice and their contribution to the community.
There is no single path that residency is meant to follow.
Explore our Programme
