We belong to Soto-Shu, the international organization of Soto Zen, which has its roots in Japan.
We are not Buddhists. Zen is the religion of everyday life and is open to all people.
Sanko-an belongs to the worldwide SANSHIN-JI community founded by Shohaku Okamura Roshi. It organizes Zen sesshin in the style of Kodo Sawaki/Kosho Uchiyama (Sanshin-ji style).
To prevent the emergence of guru/master structures with the corresponding cult-like communities, transparency, financial independence of teachers and students, the right to free choice and personal responsibility, equality between leaders and practitioners, “practice on equal terms,” regular exchange without taboos, and intensive zazen practice without suppressing the “shadow” are important principles of the retreat.
Practitioners are supported on their path by non-judgmental and experienced guides. They do this free of charge and otherwise live in the center of society. We refrain from permanent monastic life, as we believe it is an obstacle to “adult practice” in the sense of Kodo Sawaki Roshi.
In Sanko-an, a model place is being created where a consistent coexistence between nature and humanity is demonstrated. We want to give young people in particular the opportunity to live in the rhythm of nature again. To do this, it is necessary to move in nature and live for nature, not to use it. Inspired, we follow the way of life of the ancients and combine it with the good of modernity.
Living in harmony with all beings and nature means:
All living beings are connected to one another and live in mutual dependence. If we follow the teachings of Buddha, there are no weeds and no pests. Instead of eliminating everything that doesn’t suit us and promoting what we like, we should create a diverse, livable environment to allow many animals and plants to settle.
Modern man creates a world that is regulated and controlled. This probably has to be the case when many people live together. However, an excess of control and regulation at the expense of naturalness leads to the isolation of humans from nature and makes people sick, as they deprive themselves of their very basis for life. Humans actually believe they are capable of living independently of nature. And if that were true, which we don’t believe, can this still be called a human life? Unfortunately, there are many unpleasant scenarios in the new, modern world. We have forgotten how to live normally; we should relearn it!
The longing for high status and lots of money determines the lives of most people in our society. Underlying this is the psychological poison of greed, based on the poison of ignorance. Both poisons lead to ruthlessness and hatred towards everything and everyone. The constant pursuit of money and fame leads to self-destruction and environmental destruction. We feel lonely and dissatisfied. Buddha Shakyamuni created the path to great contentment, away from fame and power.
We live according to the rhythm of the seasons and eat what grows seasonally whenever possible. Our practice/sleep times also adapt to this natural rhythm, leading to health and well-being. For example, there are no sleep problems at Sanko-an, and lifestyle diseases are unlikely.
We believe that plenty of exercise in the midst of nature, along with the practice of zazen, contributes to our health and happiness. Therefore, all physical activities are part of our practice. The practice of body and mind (bodymind)
This “adult practice” is absolutely free, self-responsible, unconditional, simple, and normal, and “without toys” (ceremonies, monastic, formal).
