Begin Japanology

This month, we present a special talk-show series called Japanophiles, featuring lively interviews with foreigners living in Japan. Noelke Muho is a Zen Buddhist priest from Germany. For nine years, he has been head priest at a temple called Antaiji deep in the mountains of western Japan. Zen is a school of Buddhism centered on zazen - seated meditation. The students who train with Muho practice zazen, but they also clean, prepare meals, and work the land. Muho came to Japan interested in Zen Buddhism. He trained at Antaiji and ultimately became a priest. When Muho's mentor - the head priest of Antaiji - died in an accident, Muho decided to become head priest himself. Antaiji aims to be self-sufficient, but it is certainly not isolated from society. Life there is supported by the local community, and Muho has a wife and two children. We meet Noelke Muho and hear his thoughts about the Zen life.