Days
Mondays & Tuesdays *Subject to change.
Open
December | 12.23 – 12.24.2024, 12.30 – 12.31.2024
January | 01.06 – 01.07.2025, 01.14.2025, 01.20 – 01.21.2025, 01.28.2025
Time
11:30 AM – 05:00 PM
Phone
Location
JAPAN HOUSE Salon, Level 5
Fee
Free
The “Mindfulness Lounge” program held in the JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles Level 5 Salon invites visitors to take a step away from your busy day and experience Japanese-style mindfulness. We welcome guests to relax on comfortable Japanese mats and cushions, enjoy projections of beautiful scenery, listen to healing music and natural sounds, and smell fragrant aroma.
Relaxation
As you enter the space, you will see the goza carpet on the floor. Take your shoes off and sit on the goza, or on one of the zafu (meditation cushions) to experience the Japanese way of relaxing, or sit at the table and chair for some reading.
About Goza: Goza is a traditional mat made from woven natural igusa rushes. It is similar to tatami, a traditional interior floor covering, but lighter and portable. While tatami and tatami mats are generally made from igusa, these mats we use are made with Japanese washi paper. Please enjoy the texture by sitting on the goza.
Meditation
Guests are welcome to try zazen, or Japanese style meditation on the goza mat in our Mindfulness Lounge.
How to Start Mindfulness Meditation – in Seated “Zazen” Style
“Mindfulness meditation can take many forms – one of the most traditional is seated “zazen” practice with its roots in Japanese Zen Buddhism. Beginners can start exploring zazen in just a few minutes with this step-by-step guide”
1. Before sitting down for a zazen session do some light stretching to loosen up your body. After that, sit on the zazen cushion with your posture straight and your pelvis upright.
2. While sitting on the cushion, cross your legs with both feet placed on opposite thighs (1), or with one foot placed on the opposite thigh (2).
3. Place your left hand on top of your right hand in front of your lower abdomen, forming an oval between your thumbs and fingers. The position of the hand will change depending on how you cross your legs. Try not to worry about the exact position.
4. Relax and open your shoulders. When the hip joints are stretched, the psoas muscles are also stretched and the diaphragm is naturally lowered, making it easier to breathe. Breathe slowly through your nose and feel the breath flowing from the tip of your nose to your entire body.
5. Once you have adjusted your posture, sway your body back and forth, left and right, to find a position where your posture is comfortable. Then, gradually reduce the swaying and begin zazen.
6. During zazen, many thoughts come to mind. Do not dwell on them, nor try to eliminate them. Be aware of your thoughts, and return your attention to the present moment, to the sensations in your body and your breathing. Sit for as long as you like. You can start with even five minutes in the midst of your busy day.
7. When you finish, do not stand up abruptly. Stand up slowly by swaying your body back and forth as in 5.
Special thanks to: ZAF
A Journey into Japanese Carpentry
During the exhibition period for “Masters of Carpentry: Melding Forest, Skill, and Spirit,” the Mindfulness Lounge will feature a collection of four videos in two periods, for visitors to discover the artistry, craftsmanship, and cultural heritage behind the timeless practice.
Photos & Videography: Courtesy of the Takenaka Carpentry Tools Museum
Monday, November 25 – Tuesday, December 24, 2024
• Kigumi House
• Heritage of Kumiko Crafts
Read more about videos
Directed by Kentaro Ueda | Japanese with English subtitles
• Kigumi House
Master carpenter Akinori Abo creates timber-framed homes using traditional hand-carved joinery, even in an age where modern materials dominate construction. This documentary showcases Abo’s commitment to natural materials and craftsmanship, following his process from design to the completion of a timber-framed house. (90 min.)
• Heritage of Kumiko Crafts
Kumiko woodworking is known for its delicate precision. This film explores the history and meticulous craftsmanship of Sakai Tategu Kogei, led by master artisan Eiichi Yokota. Discover the intricate process behind their latest masterpiece, “Shinano Mountains and Rivers” (Shinano no Sanga). (26 min.)
Monday, December 30, 2024 – Wednesday, January 22, 2025
• Master Carpenter – The World of Temple and Shrine Carpenters
• Sukiya-Style Carpentry – Craftsmen Who Create Beauty
Read more about videos
English Audio with English subtitles
• Master Carpenter – The World of Temple and Shrine Carpenters
Explore the world of miya-daiku, specialized carpenters who craft large-scale wooden temples and shrines designed to last centuries. This video offers a glimpse into their intricate techniques, including the creation of complex wooden joints and curved roofs, which embody strength and beauty. (18 min.)
• Sukiya-Style Carpentry – Craftsmen Who Create Beauty
Sukiya-style architecture emphasizes natural materials and serene spaces. This documentary follows master carpenter Mitsuyoshi Saito in Kyoto, tracing the lineage of craftsmanship that defines this elegant tradition. (20 min.)
These videos will loop continuously during the Mindfulness Lounge's operating hours
Take a moment to relax at the Mindfulness Lounge during open hours to experience the philosophies and techniques that shape Japanese carpentry, from the monumental temple structures to the refined beauty of kumiko woodworking.
*Please note that the Mindfulness Lounge will be closed during special events. Be sure to check specific operating dates in advance.
