What Is Shakyō (Sutra Copying)?
Shakyō is a Buddhist practice in which one carefully copies the words of a sutra, character by character. Through this act, practitioners receive the Buddha’s teachings deeply and bring their minds into order.
In today’s fast-paced world, where we are constantly surrounded by information and pressed for time,
practicing shakyō offers a valuable opportunity to pause, reflect, and reexamine our daily lives.
Reflection leads to awareness of our own limitations, and from that awareness arises the desire for self-improvement.
This aspiration becomes the driving force behind daily effort and serves as nourishment for a meaningful and fulfilling life.
Shakyō Experience at Wajun Kaikan
At Wajun Kaikan, we offer our staying guests the opportunity to experience shakyō (sutra copying).
The experience may be enjoyed either in your guest room or in the large hall where Amida Buddha is enshrined.
* Please note: The large hall is available only when it is not being used for temple events
or by other guests. If the hall is unavailable, the shakyō experience will take place
in your guest room instead.
Please inquire at the front desk regarding the availability of the large hall.
The experience can begin at your preferred time; however, we are unable to accommodate requests between 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.
Guests who wish to participate are kindly asked to speak with a front desk attendant or call extension 9.
The offering fee is 1,000 yen per person.
* Please note that payment of the offering fee is accepted in cash only.
At Wajun Kaikan, we offer the following three types of shakyō (sutra copying).
Ichimai Kishōmon (Recommended)
The Ichimai Kishōmon is the final testament given by Hōnen Shōnin, the founder of Jōdo Buddhism, to his disciple Seikanbō Genchi two days before his passing.
This short text clearly and concisely explains the essence of the Jōdo Buddhist teaching, especially the meaning, mindset, and attitude behind the practice of reciting the Nembutsu (“Namu Amida Butsu”).
As a general rule, we recommend and provide guidance using the Ichimai Kishōmon.
Shiseige
The Butsusetsu Muryōju Kyō (The Sutra of Infinite Life) is a Buddhist scripture that explains in detail Amida Buddha’s practices and the teaching of the Nembutsu.
The Shiseige is a section of this sutra in which Amida Buddha vows to save all beings, declaring that he would not attain Buddhahood unless these vows were fulfilled.
Hotsuganmon
The Hotsuganmon is a vow text written by Master Shandao, whom Hōnen Shōnin revered as his teacher.
The text expresses the wish that, at the end of our lives, we may be reborn peacefully in the Pure Land where Amida Buddha resides, and then, through the compassionate power of the Buddha, return once more to this world to help and save those who are suffering.
About the Shakyō Gathering (Shakyō-e)
At Chion-in Temple, a Shakyō gathering is held twice a month
(generally on the 13th and 23rd) at Wajun Kaikan.
After enjoying a calm and relaxed sutra-copying experience while seated on chairs,
participants are invited to listen to a Dharma talk by a Chion-in Buddhist preacher
and enjoy a traditional vegetarian lunch (Shōjin-style bento).
Participation fee: 2,500 yen (lunch included)
For detailed schedules and additional information, please visit the official Chion-in website.