Kohfukuji Temple Workshop (4)
Only on June 26: Learn Buddhist Practices from a Monk Through Prayer and Sutra Copying, and Create Your Own "Omamori" Amulet

Special Workshop to Learn Buddhism from a Monk: Experience Creating an Omamori to Bring Your Prayers to Life

A rare workshop to learn the teachings of Buddhism will be held at the historic Kohfuku-ji Temple in Nara. Under the guidance of Ryukai Kirimura, a senior monk from Jūrin-in Temple, and Zane, a designer from New York, participants will have the rare opportunity to experience Buddhist teachings and spirituality while creating their own unique omamori.

First, participants will learn the basic teachings of Buddhism and ways to cultivate inner peace in daily life from Monk Ryukai Kirimura. Additionally, Zane will share his unique perspective, delving into the spirituality embedded in Japanese Buddhism.

After gaining an understanding of Buddhist philosophy, participants will experience an actual prayer ceremony with the monk. Through this moment of prayer, they will have the opportunity to be enveloped in tranquility and inner peace.

Then, participants will carefully transcribe sutras, writing each character with attention to detail. Through this meditative practice, they will internalize the teachings and engrave them into their hearts.

Finally, the Sanskrit characters transcribed will be placed inside the omamori, with a heartfelt wish that it will offer protection and guidance. The result is a one-of-a-kind omamori, filled with one's personal intention.

More than just offering knowledge, this workshop provides a meaningful opportunity to connect with Buddhism on a personal level and create lasting memories. Don’t miss this special chance to engage with the essence of Buddhist teachings and craft an omamori infused with your own wishes.

What To Expect

• Meet at the resting area in front of the Nan-endo (Southern Round Hall) at Kohfuku-ji Temple.
• Receive Buddhist teachings from a monk.
• Prayer: With the teachings in your heart, quietly offer your prayers alongside the monk.
• Sutra Copying: Calm your mind and carefully transcribe each character of the Buddhist sutra to be sealed inside the omamori.
• Omamori Making: Infuse the insights and wishes gained through sutra copying and prayer into the creation of your unique omamori.

Details

Dates	June 26th (Thursday) 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM * The experience takes approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Fee	Adults: ¥3,000 per person Children: ¥2,500 per person * For walk-ins, payment on the day by cash or credit card is also accepted.
How to participate	Please refer to the website provided. * If there are available slots on the day, we also accept participants without a reservation.
Contact	If you have any questions, please contact us at E-mail: hello@sharing-kyoto.co.jp Phone: +81-(0)75-254-7485

Kohfukuji Temple Workshop (3)
Fulfilling Wishes at Kohfukuji Temple – Crafting Amulets and Gomagi Prayer Ritual Experience

A unique opportunity to immerse yourself in traditional Japanese culture and spirituality

At Kohfukuji Temple located in Nara City, New York-born designer Zain and Ryukai Kirimura, a monk at Jurin-in Temple, will offer a special experience of traditional Japanese culture and spirit.

In this event, you will create your own personalized "Omamori" protective amulet, going through each step of the process with your feelings in mind. "Omamori" have long been an object of faith in Japan and are believed to bring good luck when carried, such as warding off disasters and inviting good fortune.This special experience will allow you to calm your mind and tune your body while learning ancient Japanese beliefs and techniques.

Then, you will focus your mind and copy the sacred scripts known as "Bonji", which are based on the ancient Indian Sanskrit language and have great significance in Buddhism. The sacred scripts copied onto paper will then be placed inside the "Omamori" to serve as a hidden supporting force. This experience provides a sense of peace and solace away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. In addition to copying sacred scripts, you can also engage in drawing and coloring a portrait of Fudo Myo-o (Acala), a prominent figure in Buddhism, which can be placed inside your amulet for additional blessings.

Furthermore, participants will write their wishes on a "Gomagi" wooden prayer stick, which will then be blessed by the monks to ensure all prayers are heard. Taking part in this experience is an opportunity to think about the wishes and hopes in your heart and envision a brighter future.

Details

Dates	December 5th (Thu) and 19th (Thu) 10:00 - 16:00 * The experience lasts approximately one hour. Participants will be guided on a first-come, first-served basis within the event hours.
Fee	Adults: ¥3,000 per person Children: ¥2,000 per person * Payment is to be made in cash on-site. *A special "goshuin" temple stamp will be given as a souvenir.
How to participate	Priority will be given to those who have made a reservation in advance. Please specify the time you will arrive in the message section. * Walk-ins are welcome on the day of the event if space is available.
Contact	If you have any questions, please contact us at E-mail：hello@sharing-kyoto.co.jp Phone：+81-(0)75-254-7485

Kohfukuji Temple Workshop (2)
Kohfukuji Temple Special Event: "Sumi" Ink Making Demonstration by Master Artisans

Experience the Tradition Woven by Master Artisans: Witness the Craftsmanship Up Close

Kinkoen, which has been preserving the tradition of sumi ink-making in Nara for over 50 years, will host a special ink-making demonstration at Kohfukuji Temple on September 21st. This event offers a close-up view of artisans using traditional techniques to showcase their craftsmanship.

During the demonstration, ink craftsmen will perform the entire process from mixing raw materials to kneading and using wooden molds for shaping. Additionally, the demonstration will include the skilled process of carving wooden molds used for hardening the ink, as well as the application of decorative painting on the finished ink products. The precision and delicacy of the craftsmanship will be fully displayed throughout the demonstration.

While the main focus of this demonstration is on ink-making, participants may also have the opportunity to engage in the ink-making process themselves. The experience of shaping ink with your own hands promises to be an unforgettable one for participants.

This demonstration workshop is free and open to the public. Direct Q&A sessions with the craftsmen will address any questions that arise during the demonstration. This is a valuable opportunity for those looking to deepen their understanding of traditional crafts. Enjoy the art of ink making, a symbol of Japan's beauty, in the historic setting of Kohfukuji Temple.

What To Expect

• Observation of an ink-making demonstration by a craftsman
• Calligraphy experience
• Testing various types of ink
• Hands-on experience creating "nigirizumi" ink-stick *for an additional fee
• Exhibition and sale of ink products

Details

Date and Time	September 21st, 22nd 10:00 - 16:00
How to participate	Reservations are not accepted, and participation is on a first-come, first-served basis.
Contact	If you have any questions, please contact us at E-mail：hello@sharing-kyoto.co.jp Phone：+81-(0)75-254-7485

Kohfukuji Temple Workshop (1)
Create your own "Omamori" good-luck charm at Nara’s renowned Kohfukuji Temple - A unique opportunity to immerse yourself in traditional Japanese culture and spirituality

At Kohfuku-ji Temple located in Nara City, New York-born designer Zain and Ryukai Kirimura, a monk at Jurin-in Temple, will offer a special experience of traditional Japanese culture and spirit.

In this event, you will create your own personalized "Omamori" protective amulet, going through each step of the process with your feelings in mind. "Omamori" have long been an object of faith in Japan and are believed to bring good luck when carried, such as warding off disasters and inviting good fortune. This special experience will allow you to calm your mind and tune your body while learning ancient Japanese beliefs and techniques.

Then, you will focus your mind and copy the sacred scripts known as "Bonji", which are based on the ancient Indian Sanskrit language and have great significance in Buddhism. The sacred scripts copied onto paper will then be placed inside the “Omamori” to serve as a hidden supporting force. This experience provides a sense of peace and solace away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

In addition, participants will write their wishes on a "Gomagi" wooden prayer stick, which will then be blessed by the monks to ensure all prayers are heard. Taking part in this experience is an opportunity to think about the wishes and hopes in your heart and envision a brighter future.

Dates	June 27th 10:00 - 16:00
Fee	Participation fee: ￥3,000 (tax included)/per person * To pay in cash on-site.
How to participate	Reservations are not accepted, and participation is on a first-come, first-served basis.
Contact	If you have any questions, please contact us at E-mail：hello@sharing-kyoto.co.jp Phone：+81-(0)75-254-7485