Sokuzen – Orazen Zen Temple

Officially inaugurated on 14 October 2017 by Tetsujyo Deguchi Roshi – Abbot of the Toshoji Temple in Tokyo, on which occasion it was granted the status of a Soto Zen Temple.

The Zen Temple of Padua SokuZen known as OraZen, it was born with the aim of offering a space dedicated to the study, knowledge and practice of Zen Buddhism.
Open to all who wish to approach an authentic meditative path in a serious and conscious way, the Temple is also a reference point for those who feel the need to share their journey with others, in a spirit of shared growth and awareness according to the values ​​of Zen Buddhism.

The Temple hosts weekly zazen meditation sessions, weekend retreats, Zen study seminars, lectures, exhibitions and workshops, open to all and led by Dharma teacher Koren Tetsuko Montemurro and monk Eko Maragno.

The Zen Temple of Padua is particularly committed to bringing Zen into a contemporary, youth-oriented world, organizing workshops for schools to apply the "present moment" Zen philosophy to every area of ​​study and creativity. The Temple collaborates with schools and associations to promote intercultural projects aimed at young people and fostering creativity through a Zen journey. 

The main inspiring principles of the Temple are:

• The tradition of the Dharma and teaching of the Buddha legitimately and continuously passed down from generation to generation as a direct and personal communion.
• The teaching of a non-doctrinal Zen implemented in everyday life with particular attention to young people.

The meaning of the name “Sokuzen – OraZen”

The name of the Temple combines two terms that reflect the vision and spirit of the practice:

• Sokuzen (即禪)
  “Soku” means immediate, instantaneous, while “Zen” is the deep and silent meditationTogether, Sokuzen evokes Zen practice here and now, full presence in the present moment, without mediation or waiting.
• Zen Hour
  It's a translation and adaptation into Italian of the Sokuzen concept: Zen of the now, Zen of the now. It's a call to mindful living, recognizing practice as something daily, simple, and alive—in every breath, gesture, and relationship.

The possibility of joining is free and all those who, Italian and foreign citizens, share the principles set out above can join the Association. 

The OraZen Temple is one of the five Temples associated with the Ensoji Zen Monastery - The Circle under the spiritual guidance of master Tetsugen Serra.

He is associated with the UBI Italian Buddhist Union.