ZEN

This series of portraits by the monk Tosei Shinabe aims to capture the essence of Zen practice.

Through his teachings of Zazen meditation, the creation of Kekkai Seki, and the tea smoking ceremony, Shinabe offers natural alternatives to the daily stresses and emotional challenges we face.

These images document not just a lifestyle, but a holistic approach to well-being, emphasizing balance, awareness, and emotional health, providing a grounded response to modern pressures. By engaging in these practices, individuals can discover a path to inner peace, restoring harmony within themselves and in their relationships with the world.

Zen philosophy offers profound wisdom for achieving inner balance, not as a static state, but as an ongoing process of harmonizing with the world. It teaches us to embrace the present moment, fostering awareness that allows us to face life’s challenges with resilience, encouraging us to slow down and find serenity in the flow of life.

In today’s fast-paced society, Zen practices offer a vital antidote to the frenzy and anxiety many experience. Modern life often distances us from our natural sense of balance, pushing us to seek relief through unhealthy means, such as medications or drugs. Zen, however, provides a path to healing from stress, rooted in nature and simplicity, nourishing both the mind and spirit.