Hojo refers to four sword forms - carrying the energetic qualities of the four seasons - from the Kashima Shinden Jikishinkage ryu.

 

The great master Omori Sogen Roshi passed these down as an inheritance within our Zen lineage. He did so because they are uniquely useful for cultivating embodiment of the principles of Zen practice. Their purpose is "To cut all habits acquired since the day you were born and return to your original nature." 

 

Today, Zen practice tends to easily become an intellectual or conceptual exercise (or, as Omori Roshi called it, "empty discussion"). Embodied practices countering this trend are thus crucial. Though the the Hojo forms have a martial origin, we do not practice them as a fighting method. Rather, they serve to cultivate a sustained meditative absorption in movement and the intense vitality that genuine spiritual practice requires. The Hojo forms are also, as one of our teachers commented, "great fixers of bodies." Posture, breathing, and energy - three elements upon which the fruition of seated meditation rests - are cultivated rapidly and with great effect through Hojo practice.

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Hojo practice is undertaken by all residents at the monastery, and is also one of the activities done during Zen retreats.. Please see the calendar for additional events.