ABSTRACT

The buildings in a Zen temple compound are, of course, part of a religious institution. An order of monks has its seat there, and at times lay adherents of the sect come for ceremonies and occasional lectures. Approximately once a month during each of these terms, the Zen study is enormously intensified for a week. These weeks are called sesshin. During a sesshin, work in the temple is cut to a minimum. Every effort is devoted to zazen and sanzen. These buildings and compounds may, however, be regarded differently. They may be seen as some of the many instruments that facilitate the practice of zazen. They make it possible for the beginner in Zen study, and they are means by which an advanced student deepens his zazen. The central building during a sesshin is the zendo. The student lives here during this period, as well as using it for zazen.