Summary by Sara Adams. Edited by Mark Unno, 3/4/2002

Paula Arai, "Soto Zen Nuns in Modern Japan: Keeping and Creating Tradition," Bulletin of the Nanzan Institute for Religion and Culture 14 (Summer 1990), 38-51.

Although there is much more focus on Buddhist monks, nuns have contributed significantly to the development of Japanese Buddhism. Paula Arai focuses on the Aichi Senmon Nisodo, the most prominent nunnery in Japan affiliated with the Soto Zen.

Life in a Zen nunnery: Nunneries, like Zen monasteries, use Dogen's Eihei shingi as their basis for instruction. The nunnery's goal is to "free one from the delusions, desire, and ignorance which plague most sentient beings." (p.41) Although life in the nunnery is very regulated, such strict agendas helps one realize the importance of doing only what is needed in the present moment; doing any more or less only causes suffering.

Nunnery duty divisions are as follows (all positions are rotated amongst the nuns):

• Ino-ryo: makes decisions, informs community of upcoming events, and maintains rules
• Chiden-ryo: cares for the worship hall, ceremonies, and rituals; visits homes of laity
• Tenzo-ryo: prepares all food for the community
• Anja-ryo: takes care of all guests from street people to Zen masters

Education in Soto Zen nunnery: Elementary through advanced training is offered in the nunnery. Novice nuns are trained in a wide range of duties from tea and flower lessons to cleaning. All nuns must take courses in Buddhist texts. Classes in Chinese poetry are also required from the idea that reading poetry will reveal how Buddhism interacts with culture. Nuns must learn how to sew all of their own garments with tiny, straight stitches that represent one's progress and concentration on the Dharma.

Art classes include singing sutras and tea and flower lessons. Nuns teach art classes to laity to help finance the nunnery.

Most of these activities are similar to those engaged in by monks. However, some are more emphasized or particular to the nuns. Arai seems to argue that these activities are in tune with "authentic" Zen training in their own ways.

Nunnery Activities and Ceremonies: Sutra copying, especially the Heart Sutra, is a popular activity. Public events are held monthly at which time laity can receive teachings and experience Zen lifestyle. Frequent ceremonies include:

• Tokudoshiki: when a woman shaves her head and receives her robes; this becomes the woman's new birthday.
• Nyugakushiki: ceremony to mark a woman entering the nunnery
• Ceremony to Ananda: Celebrates Ananda who persuaded Shakyamuni to allow women into the sangha
• Sotsugyoshiki: graduation ceremony that marks completion of training

Recent Changes: Many changes have recently taken place. Nuns are now allowed to be head temple priests, and there is more equality between monks and nuns. Although nunnery populations have decreased with an increase in opportunities in secular society, the quality of nuns has increased because nuns are entering nunneries at older ages, and they are making more of a personal choice to enter monastic life.