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Gyogenji, meditation and sumi-e center in Northern Italy
An exceptional place
For several years, the School has been looking for a stable, inspiring and flexible place to host its training courses.
This search has joined that of Beppe Mokuza and his disciples, for a place to practice Zen and sumi-e on a regular basis.
This place is in the process of being born: the Gyogenji Zen Temple.
The place of awakening
Gyogenji grew out of a farmhouse nestled in 6 hectares of land, promising tranquility and privacy. With breathtaking views of the Alps, our center is easily accessible and a haven for those seeking inner peace. Here, the practice of zazen (sitting meditation) and sumi-e (traditional Japanese Indian ink painting) is not just meditation, but an invitation to live each moment to the full.
An international community
As disciples of Beppe Mokuza, our family is a mosaic of cultures, united by the practice of Zen and sumi-e. Italians, Germans, French, Dutch and many others gather here, each bringing their unique presence to the living practice. At Gyogenji, we share, explore and grow together under the expert guidance of our monks and bodhisattvas.
Innovation and tradition
In the heart of a region renowned for its gastronomic and wine heritage, Gyogenji represents a bridge between the ancient world of Zen and traditional painting and the contemporary desire for peace and spiritual well-being. We offer a unique experience where human values, spiritual practice and awareness mingle with the charm of local life.
Into the future
With the support of the local administration and community, we are not only creating a Zen and sumi-e center, but also a movement towards peace, tolerance and friendship. Our invitation is open to all: practitioners, peace-seekers and travelers of the heart. At Gyogenji, every stone, every leaf, every smile is a step towards a better understanding of ourselves and the universe.
"A place to find yourself"
Join us
Gyogenji’s realization is made possible by the generous support of Zen and sumi-e practitioners and friends of our association. Your contribution, large or small, can help us make this dream a reality. Visit our website to find out more about how you can be part of this wonderful adventure.
An ecological commitment
Respect for the environment is at the heart of our project. Gyogenji will be built in Costigliole d’Asti, in an area recognized by UNESCO, with an action plan dedicated to preserving local biodiversity and protecting the environment. Through reforestation, regenerative agriculture and sustainable practices, Gyogenji intends to serve as an alternative development model, where the balance between human needs and nature is sought and valued.
Action for the Earth
Our center will play an active role in the fight against climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution. Practices such as native tree planting, regenerative agriculture, beekeeping and the creation of an ecopark will be adopted. These efforts will not only enrich the local habitat, but also provide sustainable raw materials for our community, from organic food production to resource recovery and reuse.
Focus on the community
By encouraging the active participation of practitioners and the local community, Gyogenji will become a reference point for those seeking to combine personal development and environmental responsibility. Through workshops, educational meetings and outdoor activities, we aim to raise public awareness of topics such as agroecology, biodiversity and sustainable living.
A sustainable future
Gyogenji’s ambition goes beyond the creation of a simple place for spiritual practice; we aspire to become a living example of how spirituality can meet ecology in a harmony that benefits both individuals and the planet. With the support of expert agronomists and collaboration with organic farms, we are laying the foundations for a future where spiritual well-being and the protection of the Earth are mutually supportive.
Be part of our vision
The journey towards realizing Gyogenji is open to all who share our commitment to a more sustainable and spiritual world. We invite anyone inspired by this project to join us, contributing ideas, time or resources to help make this vision a reality.
Etisos 2024 Foundation impact report
The Etisos Foundation’s impact report has identified 12 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for the humanitarian project funded by the Italian Buddhist Union. The project aims to conserve biodiversity and protect the environment in Costigliole d’Asti, an area recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Over a twelve-month period, it will lay the foundations for strengthening interaction with the natural habitat and enhancing the outdoor spaces of the future Zen temple, with plans for continuous improvement.
In collaboration with the Zen Bodai Dojo association and UBI, the project aims to cultivate a response rooted in Buddhist teachings to the ecological crisis, promoting an environmental ethic that respects the rights of the Earth, fights against overexploitation of the soil and develops a community based on ecological relationships. The initiative also seeks to counter the negative effects of wine monoculture in the Langhe region, proposing a model of sustainable environmental, social and economic regeneration.