ZEN & TEXTILES
Zen in Noto.Weaving in Hakui.
The Zen history linking Yokoji and Sojiji Soin. A connection we explore through cloth woven in Hakui.
Discover the connection
ZEN, AROUND THE WORLD
The Zen Steve Jobs loved
Before co-founding Apple, a young Steve Jobs studied Zen in the United States with Soto Zen teacher Kobun Chino Otogawa. Deeply drawn to the practice, he considered going to Eiheiji in Japan and discussed becoming a monk with his teacher.
Kobun encouraged him to remain in America, explaining that a life in business could coexist with spiritual exploration. Jobs did not take the monastic path; in 1976, he co-founded Apple with Steve Wozniak.
Their relationship continued for many years, and Kobun officiated at Jobs’s wedding in 1991. His connection with Zen became an enduring part of his life, rather than a passing interest of his youth.
Zen, which Steve Jobs embraced, is practiced across Europe, the Americas and beyond, passed on across borders and cultures.
Source and further reading
Two temples linking the Zen history of Noto.
Straight-line distance between the temples
≈ 42km
Distance described in the Gasan trail tradition
≈ 52 km (13 ri)
Dots mark approximate temple locations. The dashed line shows their relationship, not a travel route. The 42 km figure is calculated from coordinates; 52 km refers to the traditional trail, not current road distance or access.
Trail distance: Tsubata Tourism Association (Japanese)Sojiji Soin in Monzen, Okunoto, and Yokoji in Hakui, where we continue to weave, were both founded by Zen master Keizan Jokin. Later, Gasan Joseki served as abbot of both temples. The Gasan trail preserves the tradition of his journeys between them. Okunoto and Hakui are linked by the footsteps of those who passed on the teachings of Zen.
Here in Hakui, we have long woven fabrics for Buddhist robes. Our cloth becomes part of the clothing worn by monks in their daily duties and practice. The Zen tradition of Noto and our craft meet in the fabric that supports those robes.
With an appreciation for the Zen history connecting Okunoto and Hakui, we pass our weaving skills to the next generation. Through SHALO, we bring the expertise developed in weaving fabrics for Buddhist robes into everyday life.
Explore SHALO