Rev. Gihan Unno has an open and contemporary approach to Zen practice.  Abbot of Eishoji temple in Kitakami city, Iwate prefecture since 2019, he has also served Soto Zen Japan since then as an international teacher. Prior to becoming a Zen priest he was a professional skier and worked in the sports and tourism field.

He has been Guest Teacher for the NHK (Japan Broadcasting Corporation) Culture program of Kitakami city "Listening-to-Zen Sessions.” For over 10 years, he hosted the TERAKOYA educational program for children at Eisho-ji temple.   The program includes not only zazen and shakyo (sutra copying), but events throughout the year such as hiking and music performances, that allow participants to appreciate the seasons. In 2020 he received the UNESCO-Iwate Award for Education for his work on the TERAKOYA program.

Currently, he is working on creating a visitor-friendly temple by leading a Flower-Viewing-Hill Project for people to enjoy viewing flowers and blossoms of four seasons.

On June 23, will give a dharma talk on "Heart of Compassion, Words of Gentleness."

Schedule for the evening:  30 minute zazen period, kinhin, dharma talk, followed by refreshments.  (sweet or savoury snack contributions appreciated!)