Ten Shin Zen Temple – Heart of Pure Sky

The Ten Shin Zen Temple – Heart of Pure Sky is currently the only officially recognized temple of the Soto Zen school in southern Italy, where one can practice Zen in its authentic form, according to the direct and uninterrupted transmission from master to disciple through the centuries.

Founded in 2002 as a free association of people dedicated to the practice of Zen Buddhism, the Temple consolidated its identity in 2010 with the formal establishment of the Shobogendo Naples Association. 
In 2012, at the initiative of Zen monk Taiku Rossi, the association took on its current name Ten Shin – Heart of Pure Sky, under the direction of Dharma teacher Taiku Rossi, with the valuable and constant contribution of nun Myoei Di Perna, to reaffirm the founding principles and the spiritual vision shared by the community.

In 2015, il Ten Shin Zen Temple find his permanent headquarters in via Terracina 357, in Naples, officially inaugurated on 21 October in the presence of master Tetsujyo Deguchi Rōshi, Abbot of the Temple Toshoji in Tokyo, and the master Tetsugen Serra Rōshi, spiritual guide of the temples and monasteries of The circle, of which Ten Shin is a part.
During the ceremony the Kaitan Hōyō ritual – Opening of the Buddha's Eye, that has The Temple was officially consecrated as the first Soto Zen Temple in Naples and in the whole of Southern Italy..

Activities and dissemination of Zen culture

The Temple carries out numerous activities aimed at spreading Zen Buddhism and Eastern culture:

• Zazen Meditation and retreats
• Shodō Courses – Oriental Calligraphy
• Study seminars, conferences, exhibitions and workshops
• Collaborations with universities, schools, museums and cultural associations for intercultural dialogue projects. In particular, the Temple has been collaborating for years with theL'Orientale University of Naples and other local institutions.

The inspiring principles of the Temple

• The Transmission of Dharma, authentic and uninterrupted, as a direct communion between master and disciple.
• The discipline of sitting posture (zazen), the heart of the practice of the Soto Zen School: simple, pure, alive in everyday life.

The meaning of Ten Shin

The name Ten Shin can be translated as “Heart of Pure Heaven”:

• Ten (day) It means sky, the infinite and open element, a symbol of vastness, intuition and non-attachment.
• Shin (Heart) means heart, mind, spirit – the center of consciousness and compassion.

The name therefore recalls the clear and open mind like the sky, the quality of deep and compassionate meditative presence, which is at the heart of Zen practice.

Openness and inclusion

The Ten Shin – Heart of Pure Sky association is open to all: Italian and foreign citizens who share the fundamental principles of Buddhism and wish to walk the Path with sincere spirit.

The Ten Shin Temple is one of the five Temples associated with the Ensoji Zen Monastery – The Circle and is affiliated with the UBI – Italian Buddhist Union , recognized by the Italian State.