Find Your Zen | Science of Meditation

In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, we often find it difficult to make time to fully relax and be in tune with ourselves. However, despite our busy schedules, it is possible to practice mindful meditation as a form of self-care.

Using traditional Japanese Zen meditation techniques, the “Zen Mind” method offers a sound meditation session accompanied by a live singing bowl performance and healing music. The program was produced by the two experts in their respective fields - Reverend Ryūgyō Kurashima, the 54th chief priest of the Shitennōji Temple, and Mr. Masahiro Nakawaki, a renowned music producer from Japan.

This program will include an in-person talk by the instructors, followed by the Zen Mind experience. During the talk, guests will learn about the scientifically measurable effects of Zen Mind as a form of mindfulness, before immersing in a live performance led by the experts. The program welcomes seasoned meditators as well as total newcomers, and all will be able to gain a deeper understanding of the benefits of "Zen Mind" meditation and feel transported to a “place” they cannot experience at home.

Program

• "Zen Mind" Method Introduction (25-30 min)
• "Zen Mind" Meditation (20 min)
• Intermission + Q&A (15-20 min)

Sample Audio
(Music by Ray Zen)

*The full program will run approximately 1 - 1 hour 15 minutes.
**Please wear comfortable clothes to sit on the floor during the experience. Comfortable pants are recommended.
***Chairs are available for guests who prefer not to sit on the floor.

About the Speakers

Ryūgyō Kurashima
The 54th Chief Priest at the Shitennōji Temple, Sōtō Section in Tsu, Mie-Prefecture | Former President of All Japan Young Sōtō Zen Buddhist Priest Association | World Fellowship of Buddhist Youth Adviser.

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After completing his 2-year training at Daihonzan Eiheiji Temple, Kurashima continued his Zen training in Europe. Upon his return to Japan, he began working across religious boundaries to promote interfaith dialogue, and serves as a caretaker at the Ise International Forum for Religions.

Additionally, he has been holding Zen meditation classes for over 20 years for people’s mental wellbeing every Sunday and offers Zen experience courses to the public.

He founded a nursing facility supporting independent living called “Shitennō-an,” where he aims to improve the nursing care system by incorporating not only physical activities but also a Zen meditation method called “Zen Mind.”

Shitennōji is a Zen temple with a history of over 1,000 years, which was founded by the prince Shōtoku Taishi at the order of Empress Suiko.

Masahiro Nakawaki
Mr. Nakawaki began producing commercial jingles in college and has produced many popular songs. After university, he joined the Yamaha Music Foundation as a music education researcher and instructor/trainer. Since then, he has worked as a music producer with various artists, including Perfume, Kyary Pamyu Pamyu, CAPSULE, Aoi Teshima, SMAP, and Ryūichi Sakamoto.

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Using his background in educational psychology study, he has developed his own self-improvement method and given lectures at enterprises and educational institutions. His work includes the joint research project “AI Music Creation” with the Tokyo University, and his lecture “Entertainment Business in Japan” at the University of Southern California.

Lately, he has been researching the effects of music as part of integrated medicine, and collaborated on development of Zen Mind, which amplifies the benefits of meditation using music, with Mr. Kurashima, the Chief Priest of Shitennōji Temple.