Nature as a Spiritual Resource: A Japanese Perspective
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The digital age is here to stay. However, we often discuss the digital challenges to wellness, mindfulness, and spirituality. What can we learn from Japan with its unique spirituality and relationship with nature? How can we apply this to our contemporary lives?
We welcome real-life practitioners, Toryo Ito (a Zen monk at Ryosokuin Temple in Kyoto), Daizaburo Sakomoto (Yamabushi, writer and artist), and Max Mackee (Founder of Kammui Inc.). Each speaker's experiences and practices are different. Max was inspired by backcountry snowboarding and Japan's indigenous relationship with nature. Toryo practices zazen at a temple that was established in 1310 and Daizaburo is a Yamabushi or mountain priest based in the sacred Dewa Sanzan mountains in Tohoku. But the common factor is that they know Japan's deep reverence for nature and the natural world which emphasized the interconnectedness of humans and nature and how that is important in this day and age. What concepts are unique to Japan? How can we connect with nature that can be the root of mental, physical, and spiritual well-being?
Come join us for what will be a unique insight into how Japan's relationship with nature can provide global inspiration.
Event and Registration Details
- This event will be conducted in in-person and online, and registration is required.
- In-person participation is for members and guests only. Please pay your fee by credit card (Visa or Mastercard only) or at the door.
- Online participation is open to the public and free.
Speaker Bios
Toryo Ito
Vice head, Ryosokuin Temple, Kenninji School of Rinzai Zen Buddhism
Co-Chairman of InTrip Inc.
After training at a specialized dojo of the Kenninji School, Tokyo has been teaching zazen at Ryosokuin for 19 years. He continues to try to connect tradition with modernism by transcending the boundaries of various fields. He held Zen seminars at Facebook headquarters in the U.S. has taught Zen in France, Germany, and Denmark. His Voicy personality program "Terakoya Radio" and his recent book "Ogo Thinking” is published by Nikkei BP.
Daizaburo Sakamoto
Yamabushi, Writer & Artist
Born in 1975 in Chiba Prefecture. Daizaburo published “Yamabushi and I” (Little More, 2012), “Yamabushi Notes” (Gijutsu-hyoron-sha, 2013) and participated in the Yamagata Biennale (2014,2016), Setouchi Triennial (2016), ReBorn Art Festival (2020,2021), Okuyamato MINDTRAIL (2021,2022) and Documenta15 (2022). He has also won the Japan Arts and Culture Foundation ART AWARD 2022.
Max Mackee
Founder of Kammui Inc.
Max is a Japanese-British entrepreneur and lawyer based in Tokyo. Inspired by backcountry snowboarding and Japan’s indigenous relationship with nature, he launched Kammui Inc. in September 2022. Kammui’s mission is to help create optimal channels to nature and have a positive impact on health, spirituality and sustainability. Max independently advises a number of leading international brands, tech companies and creatives.
Event Details
(In-person: Members & guests only / Online: Open to the public)
International House of Japan B1