A weekend in the temple with the Scouts of Phalsbourg

A group of 24 Scouts aged 14 to 17 from Phalsbourg, accompanied by four leaders, came to discover the practice of Zen Buddhism at the temple last weekend.

As part of their spiritual development, their leader thought it would be very interesting for them to see something other than Christian religious practice.

They arrived on Friday evening, pitched their tents and lit a campfire in a field adjacent to the dojo. This was followed by an introductory session to the practice of zazen: sitting and silent meditation.

The next day started at 6:30 am, zazen, breakfast, volunteer participation in community tasks and towards the end of the morning a lecture on the history of Buddhism. The temple schedule was followed to the letter.

A question and answer mondo led by Master Wang-Genh closed the Saturday evening. "Is Buddha a god?" was one of the questions asked.

They participated fully in these two days, following the rhythm imposed on them with a lot of listening, energy and concentration.

Only their red jackets and the young age of some of them differentiated them from the temple residents.

It was a beautiful experience for all.