Morro da Vargem Zen Monastery, Zona Rural, Ibiraçu, State of Espirito Santo, Brazil
Zen Monastery Morro da Vargem was established following the centuries-old Soto Zen school, introduced in Japan in the 13th century by Master Dogen Zenji (1200-1253), founder of the Eihei-ji Monastery in 1244. Throughout his life, Master Dogen emphasized Importance of Zazen’s simplicity, discipline and practice, the Non-Action.
Life in the Zen Monastery is surrounded by strict discipline, focused on the lightness of postures and freedom of mind, not stagnation. Good humor is a hallmark of everyday monks. Jokes, unexpected responses and liveliness in minimal gestures are traditions in Zen Buddhism.
Far from mythologizing or feeding the fear of powerful and severe gods, Zen treats the Buddha without dogmatism. Frequently, the teachings are conveyed with funny and sometimes disconcerting stories.
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