The BOZU Experience Light Plan offers a unique monastic immersion for up to eight participants. Though the 4-hour activity may seem brief, it packs a profound spiritual punch. Participants don traditional Samue robes and engage in a range of contemplative practices, from crafting prayer beads to exploring a revered temple. Guided by English-speaking experts, the experience provides rare insight into the serene world of Japanese monasticism. While certain restrictions apply, those open to the journey will find it a tranquil respite from the bustle of daily life. What secrets might this immersive encounter unveil?
Key Points
- The BOZU Experience Light Plan is a 4-hour immersive experience accommodating up to 8 participants, priced from Kč 3,638 per person.
- Participants don traditional Samue robes and engage in monastic activities like making prayer beads, temple exploration, and sutra reading/copying.
- The experience includes an English-speaking guide, a monk guide, and access to the Saikokuji Niomon temple.
- The plan is not suitable for certain groups, such as children under 11, pregnant women, and those with specific health conditions.
- Booking is available with a reserve now, pay later option, and flexible scheduling to accommodate changes.
Experience Overview
The BOZU Experience Light Plan typically lasts for 4 hours and accommodates up to 8 participants, with prices starting from Kč 3,638 per person.
This immersive experience allows visitors to don traditional Samue robes and engage in a variety of monastic activities. Participants will learn to make prayer beads, explore the Saikokuji Niomon temple, and practice sutra reading and copying. These activities aim to provide a glimpse into the contemplative and spiritual aspects of Buddhist monastic life.
The experience is led by both an English-speaking guide and a monk, ensuring a comprehensive and authentic learning opportunity.
However, the plan has some restrictions, excluding certain groups such as children, pregnant women, and those with specific health conditions.
Activity Details
During the BOZU Experience Light Plan, you will first study while donning the traditional Samue robes, seeing the monastic attire.
They’ll then move on to creating their own prayer beads, an activity known as ‘Prayers and Blessings‘.
Next, a facility guide will lead the group through Saikokuji Niomon, or ‘The Two Deva Kings’.
Sutra reading, titled ‘Adjustment/Arrangement‘, and sutra copying, called ‘Great Vow Fulfillment’, provide further opportunities for introspection and contemplation.
The experience culminates with work activities like ‘Adjustment’ and ‘U-Organize‘, allowing participants to engage in mindful, hands-on tasks.
Throughout, an English-speaking guide and a monk guide will provide support and insights.
Inclusions
The BOZU Experience Light Plan includes the rental of traditional Samue robes, as well as the guidance of both an English-speaking and a monk guide.
This unique experience allows participants to fully enjoy the serene monastic atmosphere.
The plan’s inclusions are:
- Rental of Samue (traditional monastic robes)
- English-speaking guide to provide context and explanations
- Monk guide to lead participants through spiritual practices
- Access to the Saikokuji Niomon (‘The Two Deva Kings’) facility
- Guidance in sutra reading, sutra copying, and other contemplative activities
These thoughtful inclusions ensure that guests can engage with the BOZU experience in a meaningful and authentic way, gaining a deeper understanding of Japanese Buddhist traditions.
Restrictions
Despite the immersive and contemplative nature of the BOZU Experience Light Plan, it’s not suitable for certain participants.
Children under 11 years, pregnant women, wheelchair users, visually impaired people, and individuals over 80 years or with altitude sickness are restricted from joining this program.
The organizers have carefully considered the physical and mental demands of the activities, ensuring the safety and well-being of all attendees.
By limiting participation to those who can fully engage and benefit from the experience, the BOZU Experience Light Plan give you a deeply meaningful and transformative journey for its participants.
This tailored approach helps maintain the integrity and focus of the program.
Booking
Participants can reserve their spot in the BOZU Experience Light Plan and pay later, providing flexibility for booking. Cancellations up to 24 hours in advance are eligible for a full refund, accommodating potential changes in plans.
To secure a place, interested individuals must contact the organizers at [email protected] at least 7 days before their desired date.
The BOZU Experience Light Plan offers a convenient booking process:
- Reserve now, pay later
- Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
- Contact organizers at least 7 days before desired date
- Flexible booking to accommodate schedule changes
- Guaranteed spot with timely communication
This booking flexibility ensures a seamless experience for participants, allowing them to plan their BOZU adventure with ease.
Wearing Samue
As part of the BOZU Experience Light Plan, participants don the traditional Samue, a type of Japanese work-wear, during their immersive journey.
The Samue, with its simple yet elegant design, helps set the tone for the experience, transporting participants to a serene and contemplative state of mind.
The loose-fitting garment, typically made of natural fibers like cotton or linen, is comfortable and practical, allowing participants to fully engage in the various activities without distraction.
By wearing the Samue, participants feel a deeper connection to the cultural traditions they’re exploring, enhancing the overall BOZU experience.
This rental of the traditional attire is an essential component, seamlessly integrating the spiritual and physical aspects of the program.
Prayer Beads
During the BOZU Experience Light Plan, participants create their own unique set of prayer beads, known as ‘Juzu’ in Japanese, as they engage in the ‘Prayers and Blessings’ activity.
This hands-on experience allows guests to:
- Learn the significance and symbolism behind prayer beads in Buddhist tradition
- Select from a variety of beads, strings, and decorative elements to personalize their Juzu
- Receive guidance from a monk on the proper way to hold and use the prayer beads
- Recite sutras and mantras as they string their beads, imbuing them with intention and meaning
Participants leave with a cherished memento to aid in their personal spiritual practice.
Sutra Reading and Copying
Following the hands-on experience of crafting their own prayer beads, participants move on to the sutra reading and copying portion of the BOZU Experience Light Plan.
A monk guide leads them through the sacred practice of chanting and transcribing ancient Buddhist texts, known as sutras. Participants reverently read aloud the sutra, seeing the profound words and rhythmic cadence. They then carefully copy the sutra, focusing on every stroke of the pen as they strive to capture the essence of the text.
This ritual of reading and writing the sutras is believed to bring about spiritual cleansing and inner peace. Participants emerge from this experience with a deeper understanding and appreciation for the Buddhist tradition.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Type of Food Is Provided During the Experience?
Unfortunately, the information provided does not mention any food being included in the BOZU Experience Light Plan. The experience seems to focus on cultural and spiritual activities rather than dining. No meals or refreshments are specified as part of the package.
Can Participants Take the Prayer Beads Home?
Participants can take the prayer beads they make during the experience home as a memento. The prayer beads are theirs to keep, allowing them to continue their practice and reflections even after the event.
Is There an Option to Extend the Duration of the Experience?
The ‘BOZU Experience Light Plan’ does not explicitly mention an option to extend the duration. However, participants may be able to inquire about extending the 4-hour experience by contacting the organizer directly before booking.
Can Participants Bring Their Own Writing Materials for Sutra Copying?
Participants may bring their own writing materials for the sutra copying activity. The experience provides basic supplies, but allowing personal materials can enhance the customization and personal connection to the practice.
Are There Any Discounts Available for Group Bookings?
Yes, BOZU offers group booking discounts. Groups of 4 or more participants receive a 10% discount on the per-person rate. Contact the organizers for more details on group pricing and availability.
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Recap
The BOZU Experience Light Plan offers an immersive monastic activity, guiding participants through spiritual practices like creating prayer beads and exploring a temple.
With its traditional robes and English-speaking monk guides, the experience provides a unique opportunity to engage with Buddhist traditions.
However, certain restrictions apply, ensuring the activity’s suitability for specific participants.
The BOZU Experience Light Plan promises a profound and enlightening journey into the realm of monastic life.