Dear friends,

Let’s go back to our normal theme, which is Buddhism.
So, what do we have today?

It’s 求道 – Gudou, a term, or concept, that deeply rooted in Buddhist philosophy. Gudou means “seeking after truth”, often refers to the pursuit of the path of enlightenment. It’s a journey of self-discovery, spiritual growth. Gudou also means the relentless quest for wisdom and inner peace. It’s not about escaping reality, but about engaging with it mindfully, understanding its impermanence, and cultivating compassion for all beings.

The path of Gudou might be a personal path, because we all have our freewill and we are unique individuals.
We came to this world with our soul mission in our separated ways. Gudou can involve meditation, religion or spiritual study, mindfulness practices, or just a simple act or effort to live ethically and with intention.
It’s a continuous process of learning, unlearning, and relearning, shedding old habits and embracing new perspectives.

The beauty of Gudou lies in its universality. You don’t need to be a monk or a nun to embark on this journey. It’s accessible to anyone, regardless of their background or beliefs. The core principles of Gudou are mindfulness, compassion, wisdom, and ethical conduct – and they are all valuable for everyone seeking a more fulfilling and meaningful life.

The place of Gudou is within you. But I can suggest some places relate to this concept in Japan. These external locations are merely aids, offering environments and resources to support your internal quest for enlightenment. Whether you’re meditating in a remote temple or simply practicing mindfulness in your daily life, the path of Gudou is always available, waiting to be walked.

1. For Learning and Community:
Buddhist Universities (especially in Tokyo and Kyoto) like:

– Komazawa University (Setagaya, Tokyo): Komazawa University has a strong Faculty of Buddhism, offering courses in Zen Buddhist Studies and broader Buddhist studies. They also have a Museum of Zen Culture and History.

– Ryukoku University (Kyoto): Known for its Research Institute for Buddhist Culture and a strong focus on Shin Buddhism.

– Koyasan University (Koyasan, Wakayama): Located within the sacred mountain complex, it focuses on Esoteric Buddhism (Shingon).

2. For Deep Immersion and Traditional Practice:

– Ryoan-ji (Kyoto): Famous for its iconic Zen rock garden, perfect for silent contemplation and meditation.

– Daitoku-ji (Kyoto): A large complex with numerous sub-temples, many featuring beautiful Zen gardens (like Daisen-in) and offering opportunities for deeper exploration of Zen Buddhism.

– Koyasan (Wakayama Prefecture): A sacred mountain home to over 100 temples, particularly significant for Shingon Buddhism. You can experience temple stays (shukubo), participate in morning prayers, and explore the vast Okunoin cemetery, a profoundly spiritual site. Kongobu-ji is the head temple.

– Enryaku-ji (Mount Hiei, Shiga Prefecture, near Kyoto): The head temple of the Tendai sect, historically significant and offering a panoramic view of Lake Biwa. It’s known for its rigorous training and beautiful natural surroundings.

– Dhamma Adicca (Mutsuzawa-cho, Chiba Prefecture): Located closer to Tokyo, this center also offers 10-day Vipassana courses in a quiet, secluded setting.

3. For Reflection and Contemplative Practice:

– Museums with Buddhist Art (e.g., Tokyo National Museum, Nara National Museum): These museums house exquisite collections of Buddhist statues, paintings, and artifacts, offering a window into the artistic and philosophical depth of Buddhist traditions in Japan.

– Any of Japan’s numerous Zen Gardens: Beyond the famous ones in Kyoto, many temples throughout Japan have smaller, equally contemplative dry landscape gardens. Seek out local temples in quieter areas for a more personal experience.

Hopefully this article can help you figure out what your soul truly desires!