Kids Web Japan

Morning begins with gassho rei.

All students recite the teachings of Shorinji Kempo in unison.

Two students with poles check that everybody has the right posture for meditation.

Chinkon-gyo is an opportunity to reflect on one's own conduct and to gain renewed awareness of the importance of the teachings of Shorinji Kempo. Focusing one's energies, reciting prayers out loud, and sitting quietly in meditation can promote a healthy balance between the mind and body; they also nurture a desire to attain a higher self, can raise concentration levels, and enhance perseverance.

After 8:20 in the morning, students, teachers, and others assemble in the main hall wearing their dogi (kempo uniforms). They move to their assigned places, greeting everyone by saying, "Good morning!" After the principal and vice-principal enter, everyone turns to the front of the hall, and the service begins.

The drum is sounded, the echo reverberating through the otherwise silent hall. One student from the specialized martial arts program moves to the podium and does a gassho rei. Next, everyone energetically recites the seiku, seigan, reihaishi, and dokun - which encapsulate the teachings of Shorinji Kempo and describe the proper frame of mind for a kenshi (practitioner). These incantations last a fairly long time, so it is very impressive that everyone has them fully memorized.

Next is zen meditation. Two martial arts students holding long sticks go around to check if everyone is sitting in the proper posture. After several minutes of stillness, the sticks are struck, and everyone rises to their feet. They then recite the shinjo and perform a gassho rei to conclude the chinkon-gyo. Repeating this meditation every morning has a very positive effect on the personal development of the students.