Dhyana Jhari
at Sanatan Siddhashram, Birbhum, West Bengal, India
31 January - 3 February 2026
About
Zazen Workshop: Studying the art of harmonizing body-breath-mind-the environment
Zazen(坐禅) is a Japanese word which literally means “sitting Zen.”
What makes the act of simple sitting so special and important in Zen tradition? It is said that Zazen is the most sacred activity we can do with this body-mind.
Why is it so? In this four-day workshop on Zazen, we experientially explore the world that Zazen practice opens up for us through lectures on Zen philosophy, various somatic practices for posture, breathing, and sensory organs, many sessions of Zazen practice, and lively discussions. No previous experience needed but curiosity and sincerity are necessary.
About Master Isho San
Issho Fujita
Born in Ehime Prefecture in 1954. Dropped out of the doctoral program in educational psychology at the Graduate School of Education, University of Tokyo, and became a priest of the Soto Zen school. After training at Antai-ji Temple in Hyogo Prefecture, he served as abbot of the Pioneer Valley Zen Centre in Massachusetts, USA, from 1987 to 2005, teaching Zen at nearby universities and meditation centers. From 2010 to 2018, he was director of the Soto Zen International Centre in San Francisco. He currently resides in Hayama, where he continues to teach zazen and guide students in their spiritual practice. His publications include Modern Lectures on Zen Meditation and others, co-authored works such as The Zen Classroom and others, and translations including Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind’ and others.