Sogenji Monastery

Sogenji is a Rinzai Zen temple in Okayama, Japan. The abbot, Shodo Harada Roshi, welcomes people from all over the world who are interested in serious monastic practice. Anyone coming to Sogenji is encouraged to make a commitment of at least one year; however, if you are interested in training at Sogenji, please write and make arrangements for a short visit first. Usually a Kosesshin (small sesshin) followed by an Osesshin (full sesshin) is encouraged before a long-term commitment is made either by the person who wants to enter or by Sogenji. Shorter-term training may be possible in exceptional cases with the special consent of the Roshi.