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Unsui (雲水) literally means clouds and water. Clouds and water are manifestations of the same element – freely adapting and transforming in accordance with circumstances. Unsui is the traditional Japanese term which refers to a Zen monk or follower of the Way in training.
Like clouds, the unsui moves effortlessly through the sky, and like water around obstacles. Freedom from attachments enables the unsui to gain access to the wisdom of how the self and the world arise and disappear. This is the teaching of Tathagata Zen (如来禅, Nyorai Zen, Jap.).
The quest for such wisdom means to investigate the very foundation of the universe, the process that encompasses the activities of life and death. Fortunate seekers encounter a great Zen master and gather like clouds around a mountain peak. Through formal practice the unsui studies and experiences the very foundation of the Buddhist teachings.
Sitting meditation (zazen, 坐禅), kōan study, chanting, and meditative walking are part of traditional Japanese Zen training in the Rinzai school. North America holds one of the greatest Dharma treasures in the world of Rinzai Zen, namely Kyōzan Jōshū Sasaki, Rōshi who celebrated his 104th birthday in April 2011. Jōshū Rōshi is still conducting many week-long intensive retreats in 2011.
Unsui.org is the web site of Hōun-an (法雲庵), Dharma Cloud Hermitage, Inc., a non-profit organization that has the goal to establish an independent Zen temple in Sasaki Rōshi’s lineage in the greater Boston area. From 2004 until July of 2011 we were in residence at the Cambridge Buddhist Association, where Kyōon Dokurō, Oshō (the abbot of Hōun-an) served as the Spiritual Director and teacher of the Zazen-kai.
Since mid-September 2011 we are offering twice weekly meditation (Tuesday and Thursday evenings) at the Body Mind Integration Center, 118 Main Street, Watertown, Massachusetts. To learn more about this new endeavor please visit Charles River Zen. Hōun-an is a recognized 501(c)3 organization with church status.
There are many choices for Zen and meditation practice in the greater Boston area. When looking for a place to sit, please take the time to visit and find out yourself if this sangha is a good fit for you.
Please help us reach our goal to establish an independent temple by donating to the Zen Center Fund securely via PayPal: