Saihokai Association
Disseminating the Value and Philosophy of Saihoji
throughout the World
into the future
Saihokai Association was founded in 2019 as an organization to support Saihoji Temple. Its purpose is to function as a bridge connecting supporters and the temple, passing on the values of Saihoji to future generations. Through the web portal “into Saihoji” we hope to disseminate these values and the philosophy of Saihoji.
We have launched a membership program—also called “Saihokai”—that will forge new relationships between people and the temple. With the support of our members, we are able to offer a variety of programs that will lay the foundation to connect Saihoji to the future.
Creating a New Relationship between Our Supporters and Saihoji
Saihoji implemented a reservation system for temple visitors in 1977, with the hope that when visitors entered the temple, they would re-discover the stillness in their hearts, take time for self-reflection and prepare for the next stage of their life journey. As a temple without the patronage of any particular family, this decision was also the first step on a difficult journey for Saihoji. Unfortunately, the offerings from visitors alone are not enough to maintain the garden and preserve our cultural assets.
Saihoji has survived to this day because it has developed close relationships with the people who love its tranquility and give from their hearts.
Increasingly, we are faced with many challenges as we strive to preserve Saihoji for future generations. Saihoji is a world heritage site and respected as one of the great garden temples of the world. But we would also like to create together a warm and intimate community for our visitors and supporters so that they feel at home with us. We hope that Saihoji becomes a place that you can call one of your favorite temples and your home away from home. Let’s work together to create this community.
One of Your Favorite Temples
Until now, temples have been central to local communities, serving as loci of communal life. But in the future, temples may be required to provide spiritual rather than physical proximity. A temple should be like a spiritual home you can visit regularly, to reflect on yourself, empower yourself, and prepare for the next journeys in life. A temple should be as familiar as a family doctor or your favorite restaurant. We believe that this is the future of Saihoji.
Even if you are unable to visit frequently, the temple will remain a constant presence in your life, staying connected and genuinely supporting you throughout your life. Saihokai’s mission is to forge these new bonds between people and temples.
We will continue to think about what the temple of the future should be like, staying abreast of the times. We hope that the Saihokai Association’s efforts will spread far and wide, eventually becoming a force that moves all of society.