Zendo

The meditation building (Zendo) in the style of a Japanese Zen temple, built in 2004 according to designs by the Californian architect Paul Discoe, forms a synthesis of influences from different cultures from three continents: traditional Japanese temple architecture, Californian wood species and Swiss thermal insulation regulations come together in a unique fusion. 

Paul Discoe practices Zen himself, studied traditional craftsmanship and temple architecture in Japan for many years and brought this knowledge to California. In his workshop there he has since created “Zen Architecture”, building as an expression of Zen practice. For the Felsentor Zendo, he chose different woods: softwood (Douglas fir) for the construction, elm and cypress for floors, doors and windows. All components were drawn, dimensioned, accurately cut to size, numbered, shipped to Europe and finally transported to the construction site by helicopter. Here they were assembled by a specialized craft crew in cooperation with local skilled workers.

While in Japanese Zen monasteries various buildings house the different functions of a Buddhist temple complex, the Felsentor Zendo combines several functions. On the ground floor there are washrooms and toilets as well as two dormitories (shuriyo) according to the traditional Japanese style: one sleeps on elevated platforms (tans) which are covered with tatami mats and futons. The upper floor leads to the meditation room, a well-proportioned, simple room, which radiates a simple elegance with its light filtered through the paper sliding windows (shoji), the fragrant coniferous wood, the discreetly tinted clay walls and creates an unfathomable sacral atmosphere. The room seems to smile. In the attic, there is a small room, also covered with tatami mats, for tea ceremonies, meetings or individual conversion (dokusan) between teacher and student. A surrounding veranda (engawa), which is protected by the curved temple roof, allows walking meditation outside even in damp weather.

The Zendo provides Felsentor with a dignified external expression for the silent meditation that is cultivated at this place.

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Book Recommendation:

“Zen Architecture. The Building Process as Practice”, Paul Discoe with Alexandra Quinn