Midtown Atlanta Zendo
Myohoji Buddhist Temple
Welcome to Myohoji Buddhist Temple
Welcome to the virtual home of the *Myohoji (妙法寺) Buddhist Temple. We practice Soto Zen Buddhism in the Soto-shu (school) sect. We offer the practice of "Zazen" (seated meditation). We teach that all people can connect with their true original enlightened self through seated meditation without special techniques. Just simply sitting is enough to return to your true self once delusions are minimized or lessened.
In Buddhist terminology, Myohoji is rendered as; "Temple of the Wonderful Dharma" or "Temple of the Mystic Law."
"If you want to see things just as they are, then you yourself must practice just as you are."
Eihei Dogen Zenji (1/19/1200CE - 09/22/1253CE)
Zazen
(Meditation)
In the Soto Zen tradition our meditation practice is called Zazen. Zazen can be loosely translated as “sitting in full absorption with all things.” We offer newcomers sessions for those who are interested in approaching Zen. For the more experienced practitioner we offer our weekly Zazen sessions with Sutra chanting and a brief study period in-person and via Zoom. A study group and longer retreats are also offered.
Japanese Calligraphy
For over ten years now Myohoji Temple has been fortunate to have Seisen Horino Sensei visiting our space to teach Japanese Calligraphy.. In Japanese the word for this practice is "Shodo" or "Way of the Brush." Just as in Zazen, Shodo is a practice for connecting the breath, body and mind whilst we put brush and ink to paper to write Kanji characters. Horino Sensei comes to us as a very qualified teacher. Her father was also a Shodo master and was deemed a National Treasure in Japan. Horino Sensei trained under him. Her brother now runs a well known Shodo school in Japan. Our Shodo class meets for two hours monthly at our temple and students may also attend an additional class at Horino's private studio. The tuition is $80 monthly which is $40/class. The price of paper and supplies are not included.
Dharma Discussions
Dharma (the teachings of the Buddha and the ancestors) talks and discussions are a central aspect of our practice.. The Dharma is considered one of the three treasures of Buddhism so Dharma study is integral to our practice.. Dharma talks are given at most of our gatherings. The talks are led by our teacher but also include open discussion and questions on the subject matter. Follow up personal discussions may be scheduled with Daiki.
Dharma study, particularly in a group setting , deepens not only our individual relationship to the teachings but also to the Sangha as well.
At our temple, study is not limited to Zen material alone. We strive to study material from a broad range of schools and Buddhist traditions.
JAPANESE CALLIGRAPHY
For over ten years now Myohoji Temple has been fortunate to have Seisen Horino Sensei visiting our space to teach Japanese Calligraphy.. In Japanese the word for this practice is "Shodo" or "Way of the Brush." Just as in Zazen, Shodo is a practice for connecting the breath, body and mind whilst we put brush and ink to paper to write Kanji characters. Horino Sensei comes to us as a very qualified teacher. Her father was also a Shodo master and was deemed a National Treasure in Japan. Horino Sensei trained under him. Her brother now runs a well known Shodo school in Japan. Our Shodo class meets for two hours monthly at our temple and students may also attend an additional class at Horino's private studio. The tuition is $80 monthly which is $40/class. The price of paper and supplies are not included.
DHARMA TALKS
Dharma (the teachings of the Buddha and the ancestors) talks and discussions are a central aspect of our practice at Myohoji Temple. The Dharma is considered one of the three treasures of Buddhism so Dharma study is not to be taken lightly. Dharma talks are given at most of our gatherings. The talks are led by our teacher but also include open discussion and questions on the subject matter. Follow up personal discussions may be scheduled with Daiki.
Dharma study, particularly in a group setting , deepens not only our individual relationship to the teachings but also to the Sangha as well.
At our temple, study is not limited to Zen material alone. We strive to study material from a broad range of schools and Buddhist traditions.
For Newcomers & First-time Visitors
If you are interested in attending or practicing at the Midtown Atlanta Zendo, we ask that you contact us at midtownatlantazengroup@gmail.com so that we can schedule you for the Newcomers' Class. This will allow you to get to know the teacher and others and to get some basic instruction in meditation practice and etiquette prior to coming to regular sessions.
February Sesshin
With Guest Teacher
Shodo Spring
February 8th-9th, 2025
Upcoming Event
Shodo Spring is a Soto Zen priest and dharma heir of Shohaku Okumura. Before encountering Zen in 1983 she had studied physics and social work, and practiced as a psychotherapist. She met the Dharma through Dainin Katagiri in Minnesota, studied at San Francisco Zen Center, and finally trained with Okumura Roshi. She was interim priest at Anchorage Zen Communityin 2010-11 and volunteered with Brahmavihara Cambodia in 2014.
In 2004 Shodo organized public sitting outside the political conventions and joined a group walking between them, from Boston to New York. In 2006 she walked the Texas-Mexico border with Claude Anshin Thomas in the American Zen Pilgrimage. After receiving Dharma Transmission, she organized and led the 2013 Compassionate Earth Walk, a 3-month spiritual walk along the proposed Keystone XL pipeline route in the Great Plains. That walk began with a vision and has shaped her whole life since.
Currently Shodo sits monthly Antaiji-style sesshins in the tradition of her lineage, and has founded Mountains and Waters Alliance to work together with all beings for the welfare of the whole earth. She lives on a farm, apprenticing herself to the plants, waters, animals and earth, learning to be human. She spends time with her children and grandchildren.
-“When The World Is on Fire: Reflections on These Times“ in Zen Teachings in Challenging Times. Temple Ground Press 2018.
-Editor, The Mountains and Waters Sutra: A Practitioner’s Guide to Dogen’s “Sansuikyo” by Shohaku Okumura. Wisdom Publications 2018.
-“Finding Home in the Vow” in Boundless Vows, Endless Practice: Bodhisattva Vows in the 21st Century, Published by Sanshin Zen Community. April 2018
-“Right Action” in The Eightfold Path, Temple Ground Press 2016.
-Take Up Your Life: Making Spirituality Work in the Real World. Tuttle 1996
Our Approach
Soto-Shu Zen Tradition
The Soto Zen tradition of Zen Buddhism emphasizes a form of meditation known as "zazen," which can be translated as "seated meditation" or "simply sitting." This tradition was founded by Dogen Zenji (also known as Dogen Kigen) in the 13th century in Japan. The Soto Shu approach to meditation is characterized by simplicity, mindfulness, and a focus on everyday life as practice.
Contact Us
If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact us. We would be happy to hear from you.
