Chapter 1: The Inspiration

Recently, I encountered a post that motivated me to share an incredible story. It was authored by a middle-aged woman residing in an urban setting. After a heated argument with her husband, she found herself overwhelmed with anger. In the past, she might have opted for a solo getaway to cool off, but travel companions were scarce, and the idea of going alone felt uninspiring. An epiphany struck: why not a temple retreat?

This decision promised companionship among fellow visitors while offering a chance to explore a new experience. Moreover, the temple provided meals and accommodations, which was a significant advantage! She promptly searched online for temple retreats and found one that appealed to her. With excitement building, she embarked on a train ride that took several hours.

Upon arrival, she was met with an unexpected revelation: the food and lodging were not complimentary; she had to pay! Yet, feeling committed to her journey, she sponsored a plaque for 30,000 yen and began her 28-day practice.

Chapter 2: The Initial Days

In the early days, everything felt foreign to her. The temple's meals were particularly remarkable! Although entirely vegetarian, the dishes were fresh and organic. She enjoyed three meals a day, each consisting of multiple dishes, so food was never an issue.

However, the accommodations posed a significant challenge. She shared a large dormitory with 24 individuals, where privacy was nonexistent. Assigned to a top bunk, she climbed up and down daily, exhausting herself, yet treating it as a form of exercise. Nights were filled with a chorus of snores and other sounds, with her being the only one not participating.

Beyond eating, sleeping, and daily chores, the core of her practice began with a morning lesson that started before dawn. Each day at 4:00 a.m., she rose to chant scriptures with others. Initially, she questioned, “Is this truly practice? It feels like self-inflicted torture! Who pays for this?” Yet, having already invested in the plaque, she realized she might as well seek some insights.

Over time, she adapted to the early schedule, and the scripture chanting became surprisingly enjoyable.

Section 2.1: The Daily Chores

Alongside chanting and worship, she engaged in various chores, including washing dishes, mopping floors, and lighting incense. Her hands became pale from washing dishes. Compared to the other practitioners who prepared meals, her tasks seemed minimal. Some older practitioners rose at 3 a.m. to cook breakfast, while a 72-year-old woman managed farm work and cleaning tasks.

Of all the chores, farm work was the most strenuous. Under the blazing sun, she engaged in monotonous tasks that drained her energy. After resting at night, she still needed to catch up on her chanting. Despite this, the instructor remarked on her delicateness, suggesting she hadn’t faced enough hardship. She also sewed curtains, planted and harvested crops, and pickled vegetables, with some days stretching into several hours.

After persevering for 28 days, she was eager to leave on the 29th day, only to be informed by the abbot that she needed to complete two more hours of farm work before her departure.

Chapter 3: Returning to City Life

Upon returning home, her first indulgence was savoring barbecue for over an hour. The contrast between her home and the temple felt heavenly! Most importantly, her family life improved significantly; she found her husband more agreeable, leading to a noticeable boost in her marital happiness.

Reflecting on her month-long experience, she concluded that the most profound takeaway was demystifying the nature of religion and temples. She realized that a peaceful existence in the everyday world is where true personal cultivation occurs.

Video Description: Treat Your Body as a Temple: Consume Whole Nourishment. Ep. 5-4 of Podcast - YouTube. This video explores the significance of nourishing both body and mind for overall well-being.

Chapter 4: The Mental Healing Aspect

After pondering the post, I found myself intrigued by why people willingly pay to endure hardship. Like the woman who spent 30,000 yen to face challenges, no one compelled her to stay. The mental framework surrounding this decision intrigued me.

It became clear that what is often termed as paying for practice actually serves as a form of self-healing. Absurd as it may seem, there is a scientific basis for this notion.

In Japan, a therapeutic approach known as “Morita therapy” is utilized for treating anxiety. A fundamental element of this therapy involves engaging in work, particularly physical labor! This type of labor can induce a “flow” state in the brain, where individuals become fully immersed in their tasks, experiencing joy.

For instance, while cooking, one might find themselves so focused that everything else fades away. In such states, the brain releases endorphins, which not only elevate mood but also alleviate stress and anxiety.

Video Description: The Surprising Benefits of Astral Projection (and how to get started) - YouTube. This video delves into the unexpected advantages of exploring astral projection as a means of expanding consciousness.

Moreover, engaging in labor offers a form of healing. When we utilize our hands to create or modify our environment, it fosters a profound sense of accomplishment. The instant feedback from labor—like cleaning a space or crafting a wooden item—can boost dopamine levels, enhancing happiness, memory, and focus.

Many people notice that after physical exertion, their minds feel clearer and their spirits brighter. Personally, whenever I experience stress or low moods, I seek projects at home to immerse myself in—whether it’s building something in the garden or painting a room.

Chapter 5: The Balance of Labor and Rest

A neighbor of mine exemplified this. He worked in a high-pressure job at a securities firm and often appeared troubled. Ultimately, he decided to dedicate one day each week to volunteer at a nearby farm. He shared that every time he picked up farming tools and stepped into the fields, all his worries seemed to vanish, replaced by a sense of joy.

Not only did he enjoy the act of farming, but witnessing the crops he tended flourish gave his life renewed vigor. However, it’s important to note that labor is not solely about hard work. Otherwise, construction workers would be the happiest individuals. The key lies in finding the right balance between work and rest, and arranging labor in a way that genuinely promotes mental healing.

In conclusion, it’s essential not to harbor the belief that practicing in a temple will cure all mental fatigue. There is no perfect place that can resolve every issue. Yet, we can draw inspiration from the temple's approach and incorporate moderate labor into our lives to clear our minds. Remember, physical fatigue can often lead to mental relaxation.