Come and live a few days at SanboJi: Mountain Zen Monastery

In the heart of the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines in the province of Parma, 10 kilometers from Berceto, stands SanboJi – Temple of the Three Jewels , a residential place of Zen practice.

A hermitage of peace and serenity, where you can return to your silence in harmony with the whole Universe.

Founded by Master Tetsugen Serra in 1996, SanboJi, the Japanese translation of Temple of the Three Jewels (the Buddha, the Dharma, the Sangha), was born from a group of rural buildings recovered with respect for the surrounding environment and integrated with new constructions in the traditional style of Zen monasteries. The natural and uncontaminated territory of SanboJi includes large spaces, such as Zen gardens, meadows and woods which guests can freely enjoy. A 250 mXNUMX room furnished with Japanese tatami mats and zafu cushions is available for activities and remains open day and night for anyone wishing to practice Zen Meditation at any time of the day.

The accommodation of the guests respects the living style of the place: simple furnishings made with local material and rooms shared with the other guests with 4, 6 or 8 beds and separated into the male and female sleeping areas.

There are plenty of spaces to walk and breathe in the woods or relax in the monastery's squares, enjoying the unique and peaceful landscape. There 's also a 250-square-meter relaxation room, simply furnished with sofas and chairs and a stove that will warm your heart and soul in winter. This is a room where you can relax, read, enjoy a herbal tea, or share with other guests.

There is also a Zen shop where you can buy books and objects such as malas, meditation cushions and many other curiosities.

Two rooms dedicated to personal care: one for Zen Shiatsu treatments and one for Zen counseling sessions with the monks.

How the days at SanboJi Temple unfold: daily Zen practice 

SanboJi offers a busy calendar of activities and seminars: meditation, teachings, energy practices, excursions and work activities in the fields and woods mark the guests' days, leaving ample space for personal study.

In the morning you will be awakened by a monk ringing a bell to begin the Zen day . You won't have to worry about setting the alarm clock but you can follow the rhythms of the Temple marked by the sounds of the bells that will accompany you to welcome you into your daily activities.

During the days, there will be time dedicated to samu, or work. Work practice offers many opportunities for self-study , cultivating dharma relationships with students and teachers, and practicing in a deeply nurturing natural environment. Each individual or group is assigned a task and will be supervised by the monk in charge.

Meals are consumed mindfully and in silence, served and cooked by the monks using produce grown by us . Drawing nourishment from nature and connecting with it is one of the pillars of the Zen day.

There are also moments of meditation, with introduction for beginners, Zen story telling e courses of Dharma teachers.

During your stay you can reserve a Zen Shiatsu treatment, 
practice that promotes well-being through the pressure of the body's energy points. This treatment will help relax the mind and body, promoting an experience of deep regeneration and harmony.

Life at SanboJi Temple can be an intense and rewarding experience. Most of the accommodations are quite rustic, and new students often live in shared rooms. Everyone eats together, works together, and often spends free time together. Whenever you want, you can always take a moment to meditate in the dedicated meditation room, which is always open.

Things to know to make the most of your stay

Clothing

Attire should be modest, avoiding shorts, exposed midriffs, or tank tops. The use of tobacco is strongly discouraged but there are still smoking areas.

For Zen meditation, wear comfortable, dark-colored clothing , preferably without slogans or writing, a T-shirt, and long pants . Those who have one should wear a samue. Suitable walking shoes, such as slippers or zori, should be left outside the rooms, where people walk barefoot.

What to bring

Towels, toiletries, hair dryer, sleeping bag or single sheets , if you have one, your own practice cushion (zafu), work clothes, closed shoes suitable for walking in the woods, slippers for outside.

Supply

SanboJi serves completely vegetarian meals , bread made with organic stone-ground flours and baked at the Temple. Access to the kitchen is not available for personal use. While special dietary requirements are not available, there is substantial variation in what is served. Any allergies or food intolerances must be reported.