History

The history of Zen Buddhism traces back to the teachings of the Buddha in India, and later developed in China and Japan. Through the study of Zen history, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the evolution and impact of this important spiritual tradition.

Buddhism, History

Eiheiji Temple

Eiheiji was build in 1244 and is the main temples of the Soto school of Zen Buddhism. It is located deep in the mountains in Fukui Prefecture, about 16 km from Fukui City. The temple

Buddhism, History, Zen Buddhism

Soto Zen (Soto-Shu)

Soto is the leading school of Zen Buddhism and was initially founded in China as the Caodong lineage of the Chan school of Buddhism. Soto Zen was later imported to Japan in the thirteenth century

Buddhism, History, Zen Buddhism

Rinzai Zen (Rinzai-shu)

The Linji lineage was first transmitted to Japan by Myosan Eisai who initially studied at the Tendai headquarters on Mount Hiei. While the heart of the Soto school is based on the practice of Zazen,

Buddhism, History

Who is Buddha ?

Contrary to what most people in the Western world think, Buddha was neither a God nor a legend, but a real man that lived 2500 years ago in India. The Buddha was born in the Lumbini woods,

Buddhism, History, Zen Buddhism

Sojiji Temple

Sojiji Temple is the second head temple of the Soto school of Zen Buddhism and is one of the biggest and most famous Buddhist temples in Japan. Originally, Sojiji was a Shingon Buddhist temple and was built