Name: Ota Daijo, 70
Temple Abbot from Nagasaki
Could you describe your routine?
We get up at 4:00am in winter, 3:30 in summer. We do zazen (sitting meditation) from 4:30 to 5:30, then we pray for world peace. From there we go straight in the sodo (monk’s hall). Monks must remember many rules for eating. We carefully wash our own bowls then feed that water to the carp. After that we clean for an hour. Even I wash my own toilet! I give a lecture about Buddhism from 9:00 to 10:00am, then do more recitations until 11:30. During lunch, the rules are not so strict. From 1-2 we have free time, followed by cleaning. During tea time, 3-4pm, trainees ask and get asked questions. In the evening we practice a traditional art--flower arrangement, calligraphy or tea ceremony. The evening zazen is for two hours. The schedule is very full. Buddha taught that unscheduled time leads to laziness!How much time off do you get?
On the 4th, 9th, 14th, 19th, 24th and 29th of each month we don’t do zazen. Instead we have our heads shaven, wash and sew clothes, and take baths. We are very busy during holidays like New Year’s as we do special ceremonies. Once or twice a year we travel to visit an old temple.What are the good/bad points of your job?
The bad point is that there are few chances to see real life and experience real society. The good point is the bad point! (laughter). We should know reality through our practice.What’s your salary like?
We get money from donors, people who come during the week, or by doing ceremonies. It’s a problem. We always need money for trainees. Dogen said a monastery should be deep in the mountains, but then we can’t easily get donations. In old times the trees on monastery land could be sold. Also wealthy daimyo made very large contributions. Now they take taxes!Why did you want to become a monk?
I was a schoolboy during World War II. I wanted to be a pilot. The youngest kamikaze pilots were 17; I was 16. But before (laughter) bombing by airplane our country was defeated by your country! We were taught to die for the emperor, only to die. But now only to live! They (educators) misguided me. I started to learn philosophy at Kyoto University. I was searching for truth. At first I believed religion was too strict, but now I see that religion offers freedom.Have you reached satori?
I have love in my heart. No anxiety. I am full of laughter! I don’t know about that (satori).the end
This interview was originally published in Kansai Time Out magazine.