“ Do not kill and do not cause others to kill ”
The Abbot of Daihonzan-Eiheiji
My understanding is that the founder, Zen Master Dōgen, named this temple “Eiheiji” (“The Temple of Eternal Peace”), because he had a conviction that eternal peace is realized wherever it is practiced, following the teachings of Shakyamuni Buddha.
The world of Shakyamuni Buddha’s enlightenment shows us that all things are united and harmonized.
In any era, the cause of disturbing the world’s unity and harmony is human’s self-centered attachment, blindness, prejudice, self-interest, and desire.
Since World War II, the world has attempted to walk together following the ideals of harmony and cooperation.
However, once a leader who is dominated by self-centered interest and desire appears, the world will be chained again. It is an unforgivable act to forcibly try to take possession of another country with violence. It is unforgivable that there is a country which is now doing this.
Buddha's teaching is clear and concise:
All tremble at the rod.
All fear death.
Comparing others with oneself,
one should neither strike nor cause to strike.
≪The Dhammpapada≫ The rod or punishment, Chapter10-1
Translated by Narada Thera
It is my sincere hope that everyone considers others as themselves, and never causes painful and tragic conflicts.
A temple alive
with real Zen monastic practice
Eiheiji, "The Temple of Eternal Peace", is one of the two head temples of Soto Zen.
It is located deep in the mountains, near the northwest coast of Japan, not far from Fukui City.
This temple was founded by Zen Master Dōgen in 1244. He was offered land and other help for this by Yoshishige Hatano, a samurai who was one of his most devoted lay followers.
Dōgen thus founded Eiheiji, where he devoted himself to training his followers in the perfection of Zen practice in every action of daily life.
Dōgen Zenji's authentic Zen has been scrupulously observed and passed down by his successors. Still today, at Eiheiji over one hundred monks devote themselves wholeheartedly to his practice of shikantaza
（"single-minded sitting"）.
In order to protect our traditional monastic practice and environment, we ask all visitors to follow our rules.
All visitors, even those who come only for sightseeing,
are received and are expected to behave with respect as
participants in religious activities.
- Please wear neat, modest clothing, suitable for a place of religious practice.
- Be quiet all times, especially in the zazen, lecture, and ceremony halls.
- When walking, either indoors or outdoors, always keep to the left.
- Do not touch the bells, drums, other instruments or altar furnishings.
- Smoking is prohibited except in areas specifically posted for smoking.
- Photographing the priests and monks is prohibited.
- Visitors who are intoxicated or who cause a nuisance will not be permitted to enter the temple, nor to remain in the entrance hall of the temple.
- Do not step into the gardens, but remain on the wooden corridor.
We hope your trip to Eiheiji will be a memorable experience for you.
Thank you for your consideration.
Zen Village
A redevelopment project is now in progress in front of Eiheiji. A new hotel marks a collaboration between the three parties of Daihonzan Eiheiji, Fukui Prefecture and Eiheiji Town.
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GOSHUIN
Vermillion-Red Seal
Goshuin is a traditional document certifying that you have visited a temple or shrine. It is written in Japanese calligraphy and stamped.
You can choose either a prepared goshuin certificate, or have it written in a notebook (also available for purchase here).
Opening Hours
*1 Ready on payment
*2 Ready in about 30 minutes
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