Gyôji Weeks or ‘Zen and Everyday Life’
Gyôji translates as ‘uninterrupted practice (Gyô) (ji)’. It is the concentration and full presence of zazen, maintained in all daily activities.
These Gyôji weeks take place throughout the year (see our calendar) and are led by numerous teachers from the large sangha.
It is an opportunity for practitioners to come and experience the Sôtô Zen tradition within a Buddhist community, and to perpetuate what Master Taisen Deshimaru passed on when he founded the Zen temple of La Gendronnière.
Activities during the week
Daily life revolves around the zazen sessions, which take place in the morning and the evening.
The samu, a service for the community, consists of carrying out construction and renovation work, cultivating the vegetable garden and maintaining the forest (depending on the season), cleaning, cooking and sewing the kesa.
The daily programme
- 6.30 am: zazen, ceremony
- 8.30 am: genmai (traditional breakfast), coffee
- 10.30 am: samu
- 1 pm: lunch, rest
- 3 pm: samu
- 6 pm: zazen
- 8 pm: dinner, relaxation
Arrival
Gyoji weeks take place from Tuesday to Sunday. Arrival is on Tuesday afternoon.
A free shuttle to La Gendronnière leaves Onzain station at 15:45 (except Saturdays). For other arrival times, the shuttle costs €5. Please let us know your choice when you register.
Prices - Weekly package from Tuesday to Sunday
- Dormitory - Standard rate: 155 € (or daily rate: 45 € / day)
- Double room: 194 €
- Single room: 248 €
PLEASE NOTE: this is a package for 5 nights, from Tuesday to Sunday. No refund possible in case of early departure.
Practical information
To find out:
- What to bring
- Information on dress code
- Accommodation
- Access to the La Gendronnière temple
Please read the PRACTICAL INFORMATION ON THIS PAGE
