What is Baika-ryū Eisanka (Sōtō Zen Buddhist Hymns)?
Baika-ryū Eisanka refers to a tradition of Buddhist hymns chanted within the Sōtō Zen school. This tradition was formally established in 1952.
Through chanting these hymns, practitioners study the teachings of the Buddha (Shakyamuni), as well as the founding teachers of the Sōtō Zen tradition, Dōgen Zenji and Keizan Zenji. Based on a spirit of vow and commitment, Baika-ryū is not only about chanting but also about putting these teachings into practice in daily life.
At each temple, people gather to learn devotion and practice, with a joyful emphasis on chanting together. By coming together, participants wish for each other’s happiness, support one another through suffering and difficulties, and encourage one another in a spirit of harmony. In this way, they aspire to live bright, compassionate, and meaningful lives together.