about szi
About Soto Zen International (SZI)
In February of 1993, volunteers who were former missionaries founded SZI with the consent of the two head monasteries, Eihei-ji and Soji-ji, as well as the Administration Headquarters, Sotoshu-Shumucho.
The group is composed of SZI members and volunteer staff members to promote international exchange, as well as the overseas missionary work of Soto Zen Buddhism.
The activities of SZI are supported by donations and membership fees from temples and SZI members who believe in and practice mutual support.
Connecting Zen World
Life of the people in the world is inter-dependent and influences one another in the global age we face. World peace and prosperity are accomplished only through harmonious relationship and utual growth. It is a mission of Sotoshu to hold hands with the people of the world to tackle the ommon problems of mankind such as "Human rights, World peace, Environment" etc.
In this day and age e live, SZI believes we should not spare any effort for a iming to realize the world where children of future generation can live peacefully through cooperating with overseas temples and Zen centers around the world, following the teachings of the founder of Soto-Zen Buddhism, and spreading the circle of friendship throughout the world. SZI would like to help and support the activities striving to make the world better place to live in this global age.
SZI Activities
Buddhism Human Network
Planning and administration of study tours to overseas temples and Zen centers around world and conducting friendship, goodwill mission, and exchange programs which would contribute to the world society through Soto-Zen Buddhism.
Support
Support overseas temples and Zen centers, missionaries, and their activities.
Information
Collecting information from overseas temples and Zen centers around the world, sending and sharing information along with SZI activities through SZI newsletters.
Hold lecture meetings and classes
Together with former missionaries, well-informed people, and those who are currently working abroad, we will hold lecture classes at Eihei-ji(Fukui Prefecture) and Soji-ji(Kanagawa Prefecture).