Zen Temple Gyogenji

Welcome to the Heart of Zen: The Future Gyogenji Center

In the picturesque landscape of Piedmont, our vision comes to life: to create a sanctuary of peace and deep learning, where the practice of zazen opens the doors to inner freedom. The Zen Bodai Dojo Association, founded in Alba in 2008 by Master Beppe Mokuza and his devoted disciples, is now expanding, planting deep roots in the fertile land of Costigliole d’Asti.

The Place of Awakening

Gyogenji will arise from a farmhouse nestled in 6 hectares of land, promising tranquility and privacy. With breathtaking views of the Alps, our center is easily accessible, providing a refuge for those seeking inner peace. Here, the practice of zazen is not just meditation but an invitation to fully live every moment.

An International Community

Our family is a mosaic of cultures, united by Zen practice. Italians, Germans, French, Dutch, and many others gather here, each contributing their unique presence to the Dharma. 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 food and wine heritage, Gyogenji represents a bridge between the ancient world of Zen and the contemporary desire for peace and spiritual well-being. We offer a unique experience where human values, spiritual practice, and awareness intertwine with the charm of local life.

Towards the Future

With the support of the local Administration and the community, we are creating not just a Zen center but a movement toward peace, tolerance, and friendship. Our invitation is open to all: practitioners, seekers of peace, and travelers of the heart. At Gyogenji, every stone, every leaf, and every smile is a step towards deeper understanding of oneself and the universe.

Join Us

The realization of Gyogenji is made possible through the generous support of Zen practitioners and friends of our association. Your contribution, big or small, can help us turn this dream into reality. Visit our website to learn more about how you can be part of this wonderful adventure.

A Green Commitment

Respecting the environment is at the heart of our project. Gyogenji will rise 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 farming, and sustainable practices, Gyogenji aims to serve as a model of alternative development, 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 planting native trees, regenerative farming, beekeeping, and the creation of an eco-park 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.

The Community at the Center

By encouraging active participation from practitioners and the local community, Gyogenji will become a reference point for those seeking to unite personal development with environmental responsibility. Through workshops, educational meetings, and outdoor activities, we aim to raise awareness on topics such as agroecology, biodiversity, and sustainable living.

A Sustainable Future

Gyogenji’s ambition goes beyond creating a mere 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 Earth care support each other.

Join Our Vision

The journey toward the realization of 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 Foundation Impact Report 2024

The Etisos Foundation’s impact report identified 12 sustainable development goals (SDGs) for the humanitarian project funded by the Italian Buddhist Union. The project is committed to biodiversity conservation and environmental protection in Costigliole d’Asti, an area recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Over twelve months, it will lay the groundwork for strengthening interaction with the natural habitat and improving the external areas of the future Zen Temple, with plans for continuous improvement.

In collaboration with the Zen Bodai Dojo Association and the UBI, the project aims to cultivate a response to the ecological crisis rooted in Buddhist teachings, promoting an environmental ethic that respects Earth’s Rights, fights against soil exploitation, and develops a community based on ecological relationships. This initiative also seeks to counteract the negative effects of monoculture viticulture in the Langhe region, proposing a model of sustainable environmental, social, and economic regeneration.

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) achieved are:

• Zero Hunger
• Good Health and Well-being
• Quality Education
• Gender Equality
• Clean Water and Sanitation
• Affordable and Clean Energy
• Decent Work and Economic Growth
• Reduced Inequalities
• Responsible Consumption and Production
• Climate Action
• Life on Land
• Peace and Strong Institutions