Zen & creativity

All the sutras (...), the whole universe and nature in its diversity, the mountains, the ocean, the trees and flowers, and even the stones, express the merits of the kesa. (...) But having direct contact with it, putting it on, studying it or sewing it are very rare occasions.

Master Eihei Dôgen, 13th century Japan. 
Shôbôgenzo, Kesa Kudoku 

One of the traditional practices of Soto Zen Buddhism is the sewing of the kesa, a garment identical to the one worn by Shakyamuni Buddha 2500 years ago. He had gathered pieces of cloth from various sources to form a long robe and cover his body. This tradition has been passed down from master to disciple through the ages in a spirit of simplicity and deep faith.

The kesa exists in a smaller version, the rakusu: worn on a daily basis, it reminds the practitioner of his or her commitment to the Zen path. 

During the sewing weekends, everybody has the possibility to learn the rules for assembling these garments, to discover a peaceful and concentrated form of work and to develop qualities of patience and perseverance. Each stitch like a grain of rice, the work like a rice field, and the teaching of the monks and nuns like the water irrigating the whole.
The necessary materials will be at your disposal: black cloth, needles, thread, silk, etc.

The sewing teachers during these retreats have deeply studied the sewing of the kesa. They have received this teaching from older monks and nuns who have guided them so that they can now pass it on themselves. 

Register here

or write an email to info@meditation-zen.org

SHIATSU AND DÔ-IN

RELIEVE YOUR TENSIONS, REGAIN ENERGY, WELL-BEING AND CONFIDENCE 

Two techniques will be developed during the workshop, one in shiatsu for a give-and-take practice involving exchanges and the other in do-in with exercises on yourself. Both aim to enable the body to express its optimum energy potential.

• Shiatsu: a practice for two 
  Shiatsu (finger pressure) is a manual technique of Japanese origin whose fundamental principles are based on traditional Chinese medicine.

By acting on all the meridians, shiatsu, by listening to the patient and his or her ailments, harmonises the circulation of Qi (energy) in the body, relieving tension and energising stagnant areas to rebalance the body's main functions.

Shiatsu takes a holistic view of the human being, making no distinction between body and mind, and works on physical, physiological, mental, emotional and psychological functions.

The workshop focuses on practice, and you will learn the katas (basic postures and gestures) for a shiatsu that is both invigorating and relaxing. We'll also look at the theory behind Qi, Yin-Yang, the meridians, etc.  

• Do-in: practising on yourself 
  We'll also be practising do-in: self-massage and gentle stretching, qi-gong movements, which have beneficial effects on meditation and everyday life.

Shiatsu is practised with clothes on (soft clothing), and the touch is respectful, attentive and appropriate.

These shiatsu and do-in practices help to develop coordination, listening skills and awareness of energy circulation. 

Practice and Setting

• Shiatsu is practiced fully clothed, wearing comfortable, flexible clothing.
• The touch is respectful, attentive, and adapted.
• Both approaches develop body awareness, sensitivity in the hands, and the ability to perceive the flow of energy.

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Intimately linked to Japan and its traditions, Marie Christine Bottin studied Japanese and worked on traditional arts, transmission, artistic and craft practices and Buddhism. A disciple of Master Taisen Deshimaru, she began practicing zazen in 1978 and was ordained a nun in 1981. Since 2009, she has been studying and practicing shiatsu from the Iokai school taught by K. Sakaki (direct lineage of S. Masunaga) for individual or collective sessions (workshops, do-in).

Register here

or write an email to info@meditation-zen.org

ZEN AND CALLIGRAPHY

Harmonizing body practice and the art of the line

This workshop offers an encounter between body practice and the art of Japanese calligraphy, in the spirit of Zen.

For beginners, it will be an introduction to brushwork, learning the first strokes, the fundamental kanji, as well as the posture and breathing that support the gesture.

For more advanced practitioners, it will be an opportunity to deepen composition, refine the drawing of kanji, and strengthen the connection between inner energy and artistic expression.

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Jacques Kugen Foussadier was born in Paris in 1942. After seven years of study at the Beaux-Arts of Rouen and Paris, encouraged by his masters, he turned towards the Orient. In 1969, he began with Master Ung-No Lee the long apprenticeship of brush, ink and rice paper: calligraphy, this art of line which reflects the state of mind and allows no regrets. There is only one way: concentration and tireless repetition, which unify subject and object in the deepest part of oneself and thus allow to make the work spring forth as naturally as a source.

Register here

or write an email to info@meditation-zen.org

ZEN AND QI GONG

IMPROVE THE FLOW OF ENERGY IN THE BODY

Practised for centuries in China, Qi Gong (Qi = vital energy, Gong = work or mastery) is a series of gentle exercises aimed at harmonising the body, the breath, and the mind.

Through simple and accessible physical movements, this workshop helps release tensions and blockages, improve the circulation of vital energy, and refine posture.

Open to everyone, it is suitable both for beginners and for those who already practise Qi Gong and wish to enjoy a few days of peaceful, uninterrupted practice.

Stefan Reimon Müller-Hieke, Zen Monk, has been practicing Qi Gong for about 20 years under the guidance of various teachers. He was trained as a Qi Gong teacher with the Shaolin monk Shi Xingui and with the disciples of the American Taoist master Bruce Frantzis.

Register here

or write an email to info@meditation-zen.org

ARTISTIC PRACTICE IN THE SPIRIT OF ZEN

These workshops offer an artistic practice rooted in the spirit of Zen.

Creating becomes an experience of presence and simplicity, starting from what is already there. Attention is directed toward the gesture, the material, the rhythm, and the moment. The practice invites sincere engagement, without a search for performance, allowing a personal and living expression to emerge.

Each session begins with a short moment to settle and become available. Preparatory and peripheral exercises support and structure the creative workshops: silent walks in the forest, gathering plants in the temple garden or in the woods, floral compositions, and moments of observation and listening to the place.

The time of creation then unfolds in calm, at one’s own pace, accompanied by simple proposals.

Different forms may be explored:

• painting with simple or natural materials
• collages and compositions using everyday objects
• ephemeral creations connected to the place

This practice is open to anyone wishing to deepen a meditative and accessible artistic experience.

Basic materials are provided. Participants are encouraged to bring paper, small creative tools, as well as a few symbolic or personal objects that may nourish the artistic work.

Adèle Harrer, Visual artist and PhD in Visual Arts & Art Sciences (University Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne). Her work explores creation as a path of inner experience, at the intersection of contemporary artistic practice, nature, and meditative attention. Her research questions the energy of the gesture, the relationship with the living world, and the sensory dimension of space. For several years, she has developed projects combining painting, installations, in situ practices, and experiments with natural or simple materials, within an approach that is both rigorous, embodied, and open to a collective dimension. Resident at the Zen temple Ryumon Ji for the past six years, she continues there an artistic research rooted in practice and everyday life, and offers creative workshops in the spirit of Zen.

Register here

or write an email to info@meditation-zen.org

INDICATIVE PROGRAMME

6:00 : Wake-up bell

6:30 : zazen, sitting meditation

7:30 : ceremony

8:00-8:30 : genmai, ritual breakfast with sutra singing

9:00-12:00 : Zen and Creativity workshop

12:30-13:00 : vegetarian meal based on organic products taken from oryoki (traditional bowls)

14:30-17:00 : Zen and Creativity workshop

18:45-20:00 : zazen (sitting meditation), teaching by Master Wang-Genh. Evening ceremony and offering of the day for the good of all beings.

20:15 : vegetarian evening meal

RATES : 

• 431 € / 323 € (students, jobseekers) for Zen and Shiatsu/Dô-In/QiGong/Zen Art
• 452€ / 338 € (students, jobseekers) for Zen and Calligraphy
• 320€ / 240 € (students, jobseekers) for Kesa Sewing. For those who wish to start sewing rakusu, please allow 50€ (check or cash) for the sewing kit.

SPECIAL NOTICE – Long-time and regular participants, please contact us directly by email.

To participate in the activities of the monastery, you must be a member of the Association of the Zen Temple of Weiterswiller. Annual fee: 15 €. 

*The Communauté de Communes Hanau La Petite Pierre has introduced a tourist tax throughout its entire territory to support the development of tourism initiatives. It has been in effect since May 1, 2022, and for the year 2026 amounts to €0.85 per person per night (to be paid in addition).

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

IMPORTANT - please take note of :

• membership conditions
• what to bring with you
• access to the temple (by train or car)
• the possibility of car pooling

By logging on to the :

PRACTICAL INFOS

SHALL WE TRAVEL TOGETHER?

As a participant, we offer you the opportunity to organise car pooling so that you can share the cost while reducing your carbon footprint. And all this while sharing a moment of conviviality with other retreatants :)

Ryumonji Carpooling