The one-day monk.

Journal entry: Daijizenji 大慈禅寺 September 23rd, 2006

I came here with the intent of getting a taste of Soto Zen as well as some work done on my grad apps. Its been hard to escape the zen though.

Its now close to 7am, but I've been up since 4am. First, washed up and waited in my room. (In this brief 20 minute period, I was reprimanded for brushing my teeth while walking and sitting on my folded futon.) Practiced zazen for about 45 minutes. Chants in the main hall. Chants in two successive halls and a another closing chant by the entrance. At the end, everyone yelled in unison at the top of their lungs, "Ohayo Gozaimasu!". The dog ran from the room.

I've received many scoldings while here. Don't speak during the meal (食べながら、しゃべりません。食べた後に、しゃべります。）, sit seiza, go to sleep at 9. At first, I thought it was a personal vendetta. I'm learning though it's simply a strict discipline, and to the temple's credit, its still living up to standards set in place by its founder, Dogen, in the 12th century.

I've only been here since 6pm yesterday, and it hasn't been a relaxing retreat, per se. But it has been interesting. Part of me (an improvement from a few hours ago) wants to return for another go at some point.