Videos - La Gendronnière

Behind the scenes of the Gendronnière, the Zen Buddhist temple at Valaire in Loir-et-Cher

A series of very beautiful reports from the TV channel France 3 Région Centre, shot in 2018. IN FRENCH.

"Located in Valaire in Loir-et-Cher, the Gendronnière estate is a temple of Soto Zen Buddhism. For 35 years, the site has welcomed disciples from all over Europe to practice Zen Buddhism. Purchased in 1979 by the international Zen association under the advice of Master Taisen Deshimaru, the site of the Château de la Gendronnière was renovated and completed by two Dojos and dormitories. An exceptional place for all practitioners of Zen Buddhism in the West. Juliette Roché and Gregoire Grichois practiced for us some of the rituals of Buddhism in the largest Zen temple in Europe... "

Episode 1 : Art and Health : Approaching Zen in a playful way
A week at the Gendronnière Zen temple in Valaire, Loir-et-Cher, is the discovery of Zen and the arts around the practice of Zazen. This Arts and Health Week is a little special. The site offers its trainees workshops in singing, calligraphy, pottery, yoga... A fun way to attract beginners to Zen Buddhism.

Episode 2 : History of the temple - why settle in the Centre region?
The Gendronnière temple located in Valaire in Loir-et-Cher has existed for 35 years. It is the largest temple of Zen Buddhism in Europe. An exceptional place in the French countryside. But why did you choose this place, in the Centre-Val de Loire?

Episode 3: A day of Zen at the temple of the Gendronnière
At the temple, the day starts early with 1h30 of Zazen. A sitting position, facing the wall, without moving and in total silence. A morning of ritual to begin a day of practice. Zen is practiced daily. Each gesture, each activity must be carried out in full consciousness and most often in silence...

Episode 4: Zen Buddhism Today
Zen Buddhism is a daily practice. Among the disciples, the discovery of Zen is often linked to a personal experience. Today, meditation is very fashionable.
How is the practice of Zen Buddhism still relevant?