Our Lineage

Daijihi Soto Zen Sangha Austria is a member of the International Sanshin Zen Community network, based in Bloomington, Indiana, USA, and the Sotoshu Shumocho network.

Sanshin is an international sangha that was founded in 1996 by Shohaku Okumura, a Soto Zen priest and renowned translator of Eihei Dogen Zenji, a 13th century Zen master.

The German-speaking branch of Sanshin Network further includes  Frühlingsmond Zendo Hannover and Zen Klause Sanko-ji in the Black Forest.

We offer the practice of shinkantaza (simply sitting) in the style of Kodo Sawaki Roshi and Kosho Uchiyama Roshi as well as profound study of the teachings of Dogen Zenji and other essential Zen texts. The experience of this practice leads to a commitment towards beneficial action, for the benefit of all beings.

Shikantaza (simply sitting) 

is characterized by three principle elements:

1. The study of the meaning of zazen in the context of the Buddha’s teachings
2. Letting go of other activities or formalities to concentrate solely on zazen
3. Exploring the meaning of zazen and text-based study in our modern, everyday lives

All activities are open to everyone with an interest in Soto Zen practice. We are primarily a lay sangha, with most of our regular activities scheduled on weekday nights or Sundays, sometimes by arrangement, to ensure compatibility with our jobs and families.

Okumura Roshi on „Sanshin“ as a Guiding Principle 

“Ichiza,
nigyou,
sanshin
One sitting,
two practices (vow and repentance),
three minds (magnanimous mind, nurturing mind, joyful mind)“

This is the expression Uchiyama Roshi used in his last lecture at Antaiji.  He retired from Antaiji in 1975, many years ago.  I was 26 or 27 years old, so it was more than 40 years ago.  He said that what he has been keeping in mind while he was the teacher or abbot of Antaiji was that these three things are the most important, and he transmitted these three points to his disciples.  After that, I had to come to this country and practice without my teacher, so this teaching has been my teacher.  To me, sanshin is the conclusion of his teaching. 

Of course, most important is zazen, but sanshin is how our zazen works in our daily lives, whether we are living in a monastery or in society, with our families, in our workplaces or in society at large.  When we live together with other people we need these three minds.  For Dogen the three minds is a practical teaching for monks within the monastery, but Uchiyama Roshi said that this teaching is not only for monks in the monastery but for anyone who lives with others.  Whether it’s a Buddhist sangha or whatever kind of community, we need these three minds. 

Likewise, the teachings in Dogen’s Eihei Shingi (Pure Standards for the Zen Community), according to Uchiyama Roshi, are an introduction to how our zazen practice can work outside the zendo in our daily lives.  Originally these were instruction for monks in the monastery, but Uchiyama Roshi says they are not only for monks who live in the monastery but are important for anyone who lives in a community with other people. […]

If you have any questions, please contact us via info@dajihi.org 
 
Further information can also be found on these websites:

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