Conveying the spiritual essence of Japan
禅と茶
Peaceful Mind
with Zen and Tea
Personalized to accompany your inward journey.
All Zen experiences are private and personally guided by Seizan, with the support of an English-speaking translator who is deeply attuned to both the content and the spirit of the practice − ensuring each session is deeply engaging, accessible and meaningful.
Each program is thoughtfully designed to cultivate a tangible sense of ultimate calmness in mind. The program unfold in two parts: Zazen (seated Zen) and Wabicha, the Way of Tea—often referred to as “moving Zen.”
We begin with gentle bodywork to release physical tension and ground the body, creating a foundation for Zazen and allowing us to experience the interconnectedness of body and mind.
The practice then flows into the traditional tea room, where Seizan performs a quiet and contemplative Way of Tea, inviting a sense of harmony, tranquility and lingering peace.
Please note: overnight accommodations at the temple are not provided for the experiences listed below.
Customized private group retreats are also available upon consultation.
About Seizan
Seizan Toda is a Zen monk and head priest of Daiji-in,
a subtemple of Daitoku-ji Temple in Kyoto. With over 30 years on the path of Buddhist monkhood, his journey began in Kyoto and was shaped early on by a spirited youth steeped in martial arts, particularly Kendo. This grounding nurtured a deep understanding of the dynamic interplay between mind and body, an awareness that continues to enrich his Zen practice.
Seizan's unique approach to Zen begins with the body- anchoring spiritual exploration in physical experience. This grounding makes his teachings especially accessible to those new to Zen, offering a tangible entry point
to its profound essence.
His interpretation of Wabicha, the Way of Tea, returns to its elemental roots. Rather than embellishment,
it invites us into a stillness that fosters quiet clarity
and lingering sense of contentment- an inner peace that extends beyond the moment.
Deeply attuned to the rhythms of natural world,
Seizan finds joy in spending time among mountains and rivers with his friends, savoring the seasons
as the old tea masters once did.
2-Hour Experience
Daiji-in, Daitoku-ji Temple
Ideal for those seeking a meaningful and engaging introduction to Zen within a limited timeframe, this retreat invites participants to experience the essence of Zen—centered in deep relaxation and quiet clarity.
$200 USD Tax included.
Half-Day (4 hours)/ Full-Day (8 hours) Experience
Daiji-in, Daitoku-ji Temple
For those seeking a deeper, more personal encounter with Zen, this extended session offers a setting for quiet reflection, meaningful understanding, and a gentle, profound dialogue with Seizan—opening space for insights to arise and unfold into daily living. The content is thoughtfully tailored to each participant’s interests, and when circumstances allow, the retreat may also include light temple chores or time spent outdoors.
These elements offer a rare glimpse into the rhythms of monastic life and reveal how Zen is not confined to seated practice, but quietly woven into the fabric of everyday experience.
$500 USD / $900 USD Tax included.
An intimate, three-day immersion—an invitation to personal exploration in a setting beyond the everyday.
November 11-13th, 2025
Peaceful Mind with Zen and Tea 2025: Immersive 3-day Retreat in Nature's Stillness
Set along the tranquil northern shores of Lake Biwa in Shiga Prefecture, this intimate three-day retreat offers an opportunity of deep stillness and gentle reflection. In this rare meeting place of water, sky, and mountain, you are gently invited to return to what is essential.
FAQ
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