Shoujun Takise is a head priest at a Kanzanji Buddhist temple, and travels from Osaka, Japan, for JapanFests. He works at the International Institute for Zen Studies at Hanazono University, where he has been conducting research with an interest in the relationship between Zen and its relationship with culture and history.

The spiritual dimension of Zen is a way of realizing the non-dualistic, vibrant, subtle, and interconnected nature of all life. If you seek inner peace, you won’t be able to find it, but the act of giving up the idea of such a reward in itself – and focusing instead on others’ happiness – creates the possibility for lasting peace.

Exhale slowly as if you are deflating your whole body then inhale quietly as you let the air flow into your body. Concentrate on your breathing, and naturally reach a state of blank mind. Count one exhalation and one inhalation as one breath, count it from one to ten. Go back to one again when you reach to ten. Try to make your session balanced in to feel good about yourself at the end.