The Mindful Art Of Japanese Architecture

Zen meditation is a spiritual practice with roots in Zen Buddhism, a religion that offers a path to enlightenment through meditation. In Japan, a Zen meditation hall is called a zendo, and any place where people go to practice Zen can be referred to as one.

Japanese Buddhist architecture is characterised by wooden structures, elevated slightly off the ground, with tiled or thatched roofs. The general structure usually consists of columns and lintels supporting a large, gently curved roof, while the walls are paper-thin, often movable, and non-load-bearing. The roof is often the most visually impressive component, constituting half the size of the whole building.

Zen meditation halls (zendō)

Zen meditation halls, or zendō (禅堂) in Japanese, are spiritual dōjōs where Zen Buddhists practice zazen, a form of sitting meditation. A full-sized Zen Buddhist temple typically includes at least one zendō, along with a hon-dō ("main hall" or "Buddha hall") and other buildings with different functions. However, any place where people gather to practice Zen can be called a zendō.

In a zendō, practitioners of Zen Buddhism perform zazen, a meditative discipline that is the primary practice of the Zen Buddhist tradition. The term zazen refers specifically to seated Buddhist meditation, usually in the lotus position, though the exact posture may vary. The legs can be folded in the full-lotus (kekkafuza), half-lotus (hankafuza), Burmese, or seiza postures. Modern practitioners may also use a chair, sometimes with a wedge or cushion to maintain the natural curve of the spine.

During zazen, practitioners breathe from the hara (the centre of gravity in the belly) with half-lowered eyelids, allowing them to remain aware of their surroundings without being distracted. They may follow the breath (anapanasati), mentally repeat a phrase (a koan, mantra, huatou, or nianfo), or engage in open monitoring (shikantaza or silent illumination). In the Japanese Rinzai school, zazen is often combined with koan study, while the Sōtō school favours the shikantaza approach, where the mind has no object.

The beginning of a zazen period is traditionally announced by ringing a bell three times (shijosho), and the end by ringing the bell once or twice (hozensho). Long periods of zazen may alternate with kinhin (walking meditation). Practitioners of the Rinzai school sit facing each other with their backs to the wall, while the Sōtō school practitioners sit facing the wall or a curtain. Before and after each zazen session, practitioners perform a gassho bow to their seat and fellow practitioners.

Zazen, a sitting meditation technique

Zazen is a meditative discipline and a form of seated meditation that is typically the primary practice of the Zen Buddhist tradition. The term is derived from Japanese, with "za" meaning seated or sitting, and "zen" meaning meditation. Zazen is the study of the self, and the aim of the practice is to let go of all judgement and goals.

Zazen is not the same as meditation. It is first and foremost a holistic body posture, not a state of mind. It is an "all-encompassing" sitting practice, where the body and mind are not separate. The objective of zazen is to sit in the full-lotus position (kekka-fuza) correctly—there is absolutely nothing to add to it.

The most effective zazen posture is the position of the seated Buddha. Sitting on the floor is recommended because it is grounded and offers a more stable base. A small pillow or cushion, called a zafu, can be used to raise the pelvis and hips so that the knees can touch the ground. There are several leg positions that are possible while seated cross-legged, including Burmese, half-lotus, full-lotus, and seiza. It is also fine to sit in a chair.

During zazen, the practitioner must pay vigilant attention to every detail of the posture as well as the breath. This attention creates unification of mind and body, and the usual inner monologue is interrupted. The breath is peaceful and assumes a slow, strong, natural rhythm. The exhalation is deep and long, and the inhalation, which is shorter, follows the exhalation naturally.

The wrists rest on the upper thighs, with the fingers of one hand placed on top of the fingers of the other hand, palms facing up, and the thumbs touching gently and firmly. The eyes are half-open and half-closed, with the gaze lowered at a 45-degree angle. The tongue is pressed lightly against the upper palate, and the lips and teeth are closed.

Zazen is considered the heart of Japanese Sōtō Zen Buddhist practice. It is a way to suspend all judgmental thinking and let words, ideas, images, and thoughts pass by without getting involved in them.

The architecture of Japanese Buddhist temples

Asuka and Nara Periods

Buddhism and its architectural styles were introduced to Japan from China via Korea in the 6th century. Initially, temples were constructed following strict prescriptions, with the main gate facing south and a semi-enclosed roofed corridor surrounding the most sacred area. The temple complex typically included a main hall with a Buddha statue, a pagoda for sacred objects, a lecture hall, a belfry, a sutra repository, priests' and monks' quarters, and a bathhouse. However, due to hostility from supporters of local kami beliefs, no structures from this period survive, and there are no written records of their architectural styles.

Nara Period

During the Nara Period, temple structures such as pagodas and main halls increased significantly in size. The placement of the pagoda became more peripheral, and the roof bracketing system became more complex to support the larger and heavier roofs. This period also witnessed the reconciliation of Kami worship and Buddhism, leading to the founding of shrine-temples that accommodated both beliefs.

Heian Period

In the Heian Period, Buddhist architecture evolved into two distinct styles: Wayo and Daibutsu. Wayo architecture, characterised by simplicity and the use of local resources like natural timber, was commonly used for esoteric Buddhism temples. The main hall was typically divided into two parts: an outer area for novices and an inner area for initiates. The roof, covering both areas, featured a hip-and-gable design, and the floor was slightly raised and made of wood.

The Daibutsu style, on the other hand, represented the antithesis of Wayo, with bold and practical designs. It was introduced by the priest Chogen during the restoration of Todai-ji Temple and is said to resemble contemporary Chinese styles.

Kamakura and Muromachi Periods

The Kamakura Period saw the emergence of the Zen style, characterised by earthen floors, subtly curved pent roofs, cusped windows, and paneled doors. This style was often used for Zen Sect temples and Buddha statue halls.

During the Muromachi Period, these different architectural styles were often combined, giving rise to the Eclectic Style. The combination of Wayo and Daibutsu, in particular, became frequent and was sometimes referred to as Shin-wayo.

Azuchi-Momoyama, Edo, and Meiji Periods

The Buddhist architecture of these later periods continued to evolve, incorporating local beliefs and resources. The Meiji Period witnessed a significant shift with the separation of Buddhism and Shinto in 1868, leading to the destruction of many Buddhist structures within Shinto shrines.

Common Features

Despite the different periods and styles, Japanese Buddhist temples share some common features. They are mostly constructed using wood in various forms, avoiding the use of stone except for specific elements like temple podia and pagoda foundations. The general structure consists of columns and lintels supporting a large, gently curved roof. The walls are thin and often movable, allowing for flexible inner space divisions. The roof is a prominent feature, often constituting half the size of the edifice, with oversize eaves that contribute to the temple's dim and meditative atmosphere.

The history of Japanese Buddhism

Buddhism was introduced to Japan in the 6th century CE, arriving via the Silk Road from India through China and Korea. The first transmission of Buddhism to Japan is traditionally dated to the middle of the 6th century, in 538 or 552 CE. The ruler of the Korean kingdom of Baekje sent an image of the Buddha, ritual banners, sutras, and other gifts to the Japanese Emperor Kimmei, marking the official introduction of Buddhism to Japan.

The Soga clan, a powerful group with Korean roots, played a key role in the early spread of Buddhism in Japan. With the support of immigrant groups, they promoted Buddhism and established the country's first temple, Hōkō-ji (also known as Asukadera). Despite initial resistance from adherents of Shinto, Japan's native religion, Buddhism gained acceptance and was established as the country's new state religion during the reign of Prince Regent Shotoku in the early 7th century.

During the Nara Period (710-794), Buddhism flourished with the construction of national Buddhist temples and the emergence of the six Nara schools: Ritsu, Jōjitsu, Kusha, Sanron, Hossō, and Kegon. Emperor Shomu, in particular, was a strong patron of Buddhism, aiming to build a temple in every province.

In the early Heian Period (794-1185), two new Buddhist sects were introduced from China: Tendai, founded by Saicho in 805, and Shingon, founded by Kukai in 806. These sects gradually overshadowed the six Nara schools and became influential centres of Japanese Buddhism.

In the late Heian Period and subsequent centuries, Pure Land Buddhism, which taught faith in the Buddha Amida, gained widespread popularity. This was due in part to the efforts of itinerant evangelists who brought Pure Land Buddhism to the masses. During the Kamakura Period (1185-1333), several prominent Buddhist leaders, including Honen, Shinran, Eisai, Dogen, and Nichiren, promoted their teachings of salvation for all, leading to the establishment of new Buddhist schools.

Zen Buddhism, which emphasises the possibility of sudden enlightenment and a close connection with nature, also took root in Japan, with the Rinzai and Soto sects being established during the Kamakura Period.

Over time, Buddhism in Japan continued to evolve and spread across different social strata, influencing various aspects of Japanese culture, society, and politics.

The benefits of meditation

Meditation has been a practice in Japan for centuries, with roots in Zen Buddhism. The aim of Zen meditation is to reach self-realisation and enlightenment, and it is considered a path to spiritual, physical, and mental health benefits.

Stress Reduction and Anxiety Relief:

Meditation is well-known for its ability to reduce stress and anxiety. Research shows that it can help manage symptoms of stress-related conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome, post-traumatic stress disorder, and fibromyalgia.

Improved Sleep:

Meditation can enhance sleep quality and shorten the time it takes to fall asleep. It helps to calm the mind and promote relaxation, which is beneficial for those struggling with insomnia or sleep disturbances.

Enhanced Focus and Attention:

Practicing meditation strengthens your attention span and improves your ability to focus. It is like "weight lifting" for your attention, increasing both its strength and endurance.

Emotional Health and Self-Awareness:

Meditation can lead to improved emotional health and self-awareness. It helps individuals develop a stronger understanding of themselves and fosters self-compassion and kindness. Certain meditation techniques can also reduce symptoms of depression and increase positive feelings.

Pain Management:

Meditation has been found to be beneficial in controlling and reducing pain, especially when used alongside medical care. It can help individuals cope with chronic pain and improve their overall quality of life.

Lower Blood Pressure:

Regular meditation has been linked to lower blood pressure, reducing the strain on the heart and blood vessels. This, in turn, can help prevent heart disease and improve physical health.

Accessibility:

Meditation is accessible to everyone and can be practiced anywhere. It does not require specialised equipment or a specific location. All you need is a few minutes each day to focus your mind and experience the benefits.

Meditation is a powerful tool that can help individuals improve their mental and emotional well-being, gain clarity, and lead a calmer, more compassionate life.

Frequently asked questions