[ARTS] Shojin Ryori / Temple Food

[Hoshuku]

I have had the opportunity and please of taking part in two classes on making traditional vegetarian food that is associated with training temples in Japan. In reality, the food served in temples is quite simple, whereas shojin ryori has become associated with complex dishes and an almost gourmet experiece. My teacher is trying to steer a middle way between those two styles. She trained on Koya-san after leaving employment in an American law firm in Tokyo. However, her personal practice is Soto Zen and she drops snippets of Dogen into her lessons, esp. the three minds for the tenzo. These lessons seem an appropriate practice for me as I teach English cooking at home to Japanese students. This is bringing two threads together nicely. I can also discuss teachings with a serious practitioner face to face, which has been rare in my life. Yesterday we discussed having a joyful, nuturing and open heart/mind in our approach to cooking.

I attach a photo of yesterday's class. Only two students as it was school half term and the other were busy at home. Yuka on the left is the teacher.
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Bows
Hoshuku
Satlah

[Jundo]

Oh, lovely!

And you are not joking about Shojin Ryori temple food having become elaborate and ... EXPENSIVE. There is Michelin rated Daigo, in Tokyo, for example. Lovely (I had the pleasure of being invited once.)

But not simple, not at all.
.

https://www.atago-daigo.jp/index_en.html

I have to come over to your place some time for lunch, Hosh.

Gassho, J
stlah

[Shinshi]

Wow, that is seriously cool Hoshuku! If you are willing to share it would be great to try out some of the recipes.

Gassho, Shinshi

Sat-Lah

[Hoshuku]

Wow, that is seriously cool Hoshuku! If you are willing to share it would be great to try out some of the recipes.

Gassho, Shinshi

Sat-Lah

I'm sure that can be arranged.

Bows
Hoshuku
Satlah

[Onki]

Hi Hoshuku!

How wonderful!

There is a specific Zen Buddhist book called Just Enough written by Gesshin Claire Greenwood, with stories of being in a monastery and working in the kitchen with all sorts of ingredients. It has simple, easy, vegan recipes. It’s based on “just enough” which goes hand in hand with Oryoki.

https://www.amazon.ca/Just-Enough-Recipes-Stories-Buddhist-ebook/dp/B07RH8WPZW/ref=mp_s_a_1_7?crid=3GIR472ANCIEW&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.KoKEwcUZuPy4QY0i2pxRJ3qOWL97bzN-20KK-qwQSA8jWZpGFUs3Ljrl3JXlZ7g7jM5kHE7Yf6K9flTZF-TCQ760-tkwkXRjogtY-yMGpK9yOKL9-2C97VKgt28ah8W9DlBvQetDlIJuIYvggLxk3ZY9v5ohNWnHkX4GlhVAUL5n_iCvczFh93U13eNZAZSGO6scJw3UrDzK0_30mWXPmg.hwJHGooaX_13IoFJE7JLB2Czh37nBUmCtyb2MYbcFiM&dib_tag=se&keywords=vegan+buddhist&qid=1771252583&sprefix=vegan+buddhist+%2Caps%2C137&sr=8-7

It’s a really great book. Highly recommend.

Gasshō,

On

sat/lah

P.S - If you ever want a ton of delicious vegan recipes, I’m your guy! I’ve been vegan for over 15 years plus my wife is a vegan chef!

[Jundo]

By the way, there is already a little Shojin Ryori section, with some recipes and accompanying essays, in our Arts and activities section. Check it out ...

https://forum.treeleaf.org/forum/treeleaf/practices/treeleaf-arts-music-sports-circle/zen-cooking-aa

Gassho, Jundo,
stlah

[Kanun]

This is Awesome!!! Ive been really wanting to practice shojin ryori so I as well would love anything you would like to share. And thank you Onki for the book referral Ill need to check that out.

Gassho
sat/lah

[Hoshuku]

Hi Hoshuku!

How wonderful!

There is a specific Zen Buddhist book called Just Enough written by Gesshin Claire Greenwood, with stories of being in a monastery and working in the kitchen with all sorts of ingredients. It has simple, easy, vegan recipes. It’s based on “just enough” which goes hand in hand with Oryoki.

https://www.amazon.ca/Just-Enough-Recipes-Stories-Buddhist-ebook/dp/B07RH8WPZW/ref=mp_s_a_1_7?crid=3GIR472ANCIEW&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.KoKEwcUZuPy4QY0i2pxRJ3qOWL97bzN-20KK-qwQSA8jWZpGFUs3Ljrl3JXlZ7g7jM5kHE7Yf6K9flTZF-TCQ760-tkwkXRjogtY-yMGpK9yOKL9-2C97VKgt28ah8W9DlBvQetDlIJuIYvggLxk3ZY9v5ohNWnHkX4GlhVAUL5n_iCvczFh93U13eNZAZSGO6scJw3UrDzK0_30mWXPmg.hwJHGooaX_13IoFJE7JLB2Czh37nBUmCtyb2MYbcFiM&dib_tag=se&keywords=vegan+buddhist&qid=1771252583&sprefix=vegan+buddhist+%2Caps%2C137&sr=8-7

It’s a really great book. Highly recommend.

Gasshō,

On

sat/lah

P.S - If you ever want a ton of delicious vegan recipes, I’m your guy! I’ve been vegan for over 15 years plus my wife is a vegan chef!

Totally recommend the book - its got recipes too and not just the stories of her time in Japan.

Bows
Hoshuku
Satlah