FAQ
* What is Kodoan?
Kodoan is a religious organization of men, women, & children who practice particular forms of Zen, Budo, & Yoga in order to
attain enlightenment. We do this to provide compassion and inspiration to others, as well as, to constantly improve our own
bodies, minds & spirits.
Kodoan is also a religious order whose members are either Dojin; fully ordained priests with all of the rights and
responsibilities associated with the priesthood or Shugyojin; members who are either "in-training" and assigned to a Dojin
to learn or simply do not choose to be ordained.
Kodoan is a Japanese word meaning "Ancient Way Temple". Members of the Kodoan use the Japanese language for most
terms for continuity because two thirds of their practice, Zen & Budo, were imported from Japan (although not "originating"
in Japan). Other languages (including the ancient Sanskrit) are occasionally used for some terms.
* What is a Dojin?
A Dojin is a man or a woman that is a fully ordained priest of the Kodoan religious order who practices particular forms of
Zen, Budo & Yoga in order to attain enlightenment (the awareness and perception of the unseen and the afterlife) for the
purpose of providing compassion and inspiration to others, as well as, to constantly improve their own body, mind & spirit.
The Kanji for Dojin means "wayfarer" or "someone who walks a specific path".
* What do Dojin believe?
1. Dojin believe that the combination of Zen, Budo, & Yoga create a unique and dynamic vehicle for reaching enlightenment.
2. Dojin believe in the four noble truths and accept them as religious vows.
3. Dojin believe in the noble eight-fold path and accept it as a religious vow.
4. Dojin believe in the ten precepts (Juzokai) and accept them as religious
vows.
5. Dojin believe in the precepts of Bodhidharma (1. No distinction between the sacred and profane 2. Enlightenment is
transmitted outside of scripture 3. Zen is like a finger pointing at the moon) and accept them as religious vows.
6. Dojin believe in an organizing power in the universe (that some call god) and strive to awaken to it.
7. Dojin believe that there are Busshin (Souls or Buddha minds) that can communicate and “transmit” knowledge and
wisdom to us if we can calm our body, mind, & spirit enough to “listen”. These Busshin are sometimes referred to as Bujin
(guardian spirits).
8. Dojin believe that there will be future enlightened persons like Buddha and Bodhidharma. Dojin strive to become
enlightened persons and to recognize others who are close to becoming enlightened.
9. Dojin believe in and practice the eight limbs (precepts) of Yoga.
10. Dojin believe that the practice of Budo can lead to enlightenment.
* What can Kodoan do for me?
If you're looking for ways to improve yourself and your life, we can help. We show you ways to turn Zen meditation into a
practical tool that helps you focus in on what you really want out of life.
You will learn that Budo is not only to "stop conflict" but has been used for thousands of years as a spiritual path and that
many enlightened Masters (including Buddha and Bodhidharma) were warriors.
Think Yoga is only for the young, fit, & flexible? Think again. Flexibility is healthy but Yoga is really a way to "yoke" the
power of the universe up to you. With Kodoan, you'll learn how to tap in to this power and direct it at will.
At Kodoan, we make Zen practical, Budo spiritual, & Yoga accessible.
Kodoan is a religious organization of men, women, & children who practice particular forms of Zen, Budo, & Yoga in order to
attain enlightenment. We do this to provide compassion and inspiration to others, as well as, to constantly improve our own
bodies, minds & spirits.
Kodoan is also a religious order whose members are either Dojin; fully ordained priests with all of the rights and
responsibilities associated with the priesthood or Shugyojin; members who are either "in-training" and assigned to a Dojin
to learn or simply do not choose to be ordained.
Kodoan is a Japanese word meaning "Ancient Way Temple". Members of the Kodoan use the Japanese language for most
terms for continuity because two thirds of their practice, Zen & Budo, were imported from Japan (although not "originating"
in Japan). Other languages (including the ancient Sanskrit) are occasionally used for some terms.
* What is a Dojin?
A Dojin is a man or a woman that is a fully ordained priest of the Kodoan religious order who practices particular forms of
Zen, Budo & Yoga in order to attain enlightenment (the awareness and perception of the unseen and the afterlife) for the
purpose of providing compassion and inspiration to others, as well as, to constantly improve their own body, mind & spirit.
The Kanji for Dojin means "wayfarer" or "someone who walks a specific path".
* What do Dojin believe?
1. Dojin believe that the combination of Zen, Budo, & Yoga create a unique and dynamic vehicle for reaching enlightenment.
2. Dojin believe in the four noble truths and accept them as religious vows.
3. Dojin believe in the noble eight-fold path and accept it as a religious vow.
4. Dojin believe in the ten precepts (Juzokai) and accept them as religious
vows.
5. Dojin believe in the precepts of Bodhidharma (1. No distinction between the sacred and profane 2. Enlightenment is
transmitted outside of scripture 3. Zen is like a finger pointing at the moon) and accept them as religious vows.
6. Dojin believe in an organizing power in the universe (that some call god) and strive to awaken to it.
7. Dojin believe that there are Busshin (Souls or Buddha minds) that can communicate and “transmit” knowledge and
wisdom to us if we can calm our body, mind, & spirit enough to “listen”. These Busshin are sometimes referred to as Bujin
(guardian spirits).
8. Dojin believe that there will be future enlightened persons like Buddha and Bodhidharma. Dojin strive to become
enlightened persons and to recognize others who are close to becoming enlightened.
9. Dojin believe in and practice the eight limbs (precepts) of Yoga.
10. Dojin believe that the practice of Budo can lead to enlightenment.
* What can Kodoan do for me?
If you're looking for ways to improve yourself and your life, we can help. We show you ways to turn Zen meditation into a
practical tool that helps you focus in on what you really want out of life.
You will learn that Budo is not only to "stop conflict" but has been used for thousands of years as a spiritual path and that
many enlightened Masters (including Buddha and Bodhidharma) were warriors.
Think Yoga is only for the young, fit, & flexible? Think again. Flexibility is healthy but Yoga is really a way to "yoke" the
power of the universe up to you. With Kodoan, you'll learn how to tap in to this power and direct it at will.
At Kodoan, we make Zen practical, Budo spiritual, & Yoga accessible.
| Frequently Asked Questions |
 | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  |
| Here are the answers to our most frequently asked questions. Don't see your question? Let us know! Send us a question on our contact us page and we'll get back to you ASAP. Who knows, your question may even end up here! |
KODOAN.org