DAIHONZAN EIHEIJI

Daihonzan Eiheiji was founded in 1244 by Dōgen Zenji, a great Zen master and founder of the Sōtō school of Zen Buddhism in Japan. The construction of the temple was financed by Hatano Yoshishige. Nicknamed the "Temple of Eternal Peace", Daihonzan Eiheiji is nestled in the heart of the mountains, 10 km east of the city of Fukui. It blends beautifully into the surrounding nature, creating a remarkable atmosphere whatever the season. In harmony with its natural environment, the temple is a privileged place for the teachings of Zen Buddhism. It has become one of the two main temples of Sōtō. Dōgen Zenji is dedicated to training its followers in Zen practice in every action of daily life. Even today, more than a hundred monks dedicate their lives to this practice. And it is also this last point that makes the temple unique and fascinating. During his visit, one can admire the delicate ballet of these numerous monks who walk in muffled steps through the different corridors of the complex. It is forbidden to take pictures of them, of course. Eiheiji also consists of more than 70 buildings of various sizes, all nestled in the mountains. During a visit, it is recommended to see the seven main buildings, which are called Shichido-garan. These seven places play an important role in the formation of Zen. Hatto is one of them. This large building, built in 1843 at the top, is the place where monks gather for their service. The sodo is the place where the monks practice Zen meditation, eat and sleep. It is strictly forbidden to speak there. The space allotted to each person is rather derisory from an external point of view: half a tatami to stay awake, one tatami to sleep. The five other buildings are the sanmon (the gate), the daiku-in (the kitchen), the yokushitsu (the baths), the tosu (the toilets) and the most beautiful and impressive of them all, the butsuden. There are three statues representing the three generations of Buddha (Buddha, Maitreya and Amida), illustrating the present, the future and the past. Within these walls one feels a certain spiritual emotion, a feeling exacerbated by the beauty of the surrounding nature. Daihonzan Eiheiji is thus surrounded by sumptuous centuries-old cedars, Japanese maples and the ever-present moss. The setting is fabulous and the best time to visit the temple is definitely autumn. Nature adorns itself in its most beautiful finery with its sublime palette of warm colours. Then, certainly, the place is far from being calm, as it should be. Many tourists flock to discover these places, full of mystery. To live a peaceful moment within the temple, it is strongly recommended to spend a night at the Hakujukan, a short distance from the entrance of the Daihonzan Eiheiji, and thus participate in the morning service. Attending this service, honored by a hundred monks, is a unique experience. You can follow the ceremony thanks to the sutras transcribed in our alphabet. Early in the morning, the place is bathed in an Olympian calm and the atmosphere of the dawn, which gradually awakens the surrounding nature, is magical and indescribable. The atmosphere is a radical contrast to the atmosphere of the full day. Souvenir shops also line the small street in front of the temple. Some of them sell Buddhist supplies.