Today, I tried Shakyo (sutra copying) at Myokoku Temple.

It was my first time experiencing it.

Shakyo originally began as a way to spread the teachings of Buddhism by copying the sutras. Over time, however, it has also become a practice for people seeking peace of mind and spiritual well-being.

In this experience, I copied two Buddhist teachings. One was the “Setsuzangē (雪山偈)”, which speaks about the impermanence of this world—how everything is constantly changing—and the peace that lies beyond it, known as Nirvana.
The other was the “Shichibutsu Tsūkai-ge (七佛通戒偈)”, a verse that teaches:
Do no evil (諸悪莫作), practice good (衆善奉行), and purify one’s own mind (自浄其意). This is the teaching of all Buddhas (是諸仏教).

We used a brush pen to copy the characters. Because there was a faint outline of the text underneath, even beginners like me could follow it easily.

After finishing the sutra, you write your wish, the date, and your name, and then leave the paper with the temple priest.

These writings are considered the words of the Buddha himself. Because of this, it is said to be disrespectful if your breath touches the paper. To avoid this, you hold a small piece of paper in your mouth while writing. The posture reminded me of Nezuko from Demon Slayer.

What makes this experience special is how it connects you with the delicate sensibility of Japanese culture. In a chaotic world, you sit quietly, clear your mind, and simply write. If the words you write are the teachings of the Buddha, the act itself begins to feel even more meaningful.

I am not a Buddhist, but I still felt as if I had touched something sacred.

Even if all you feel is boredom or curiosity, that is fine. I think it is an experience worth trying at least once.

You can experience Shakyo at Myokoku Temple in Hososhima, Hyuga City, Miyazaki, Japan.

📍373 Hososhima, Hyuga City, Miyazaki 883-0001, Japan