Founded in 1998 by Rev. Enyu Ito, our Zen community fostered authentic Rinzai Zen practice. Embracing the principle of impermanence, Rev. Ito led our group until 2016, when he reduced his involvement due to age. Sadly, he passed away in 2020.
While we no longer have a resident teacher, his legacy lives on. We continue to offer Zazen-kai, a meditation practice following the traditions Rev. Ito instilled in us.
Rev. Enyu Ito
- Founder of Rinzai Hakone Zendo
- Buddhist priesthood received at Honganji Temple, Kyoto Japan
- 1996 Blessed with the master’s license from Honganji
- Teaching Zen at Rinzai Hakone Zen-Do since 1998.
Rev. Enyu Ito delved into the study of Buddhism and contemporary religious thought among people in Kyoto, Japan. He embarked on his Zen journey across various temples, initially in Japan and later in the United States. In Japan, his ventures included Nishi Honganji in Kyoto, Ryutakuji in Shizuoka, Heirinji in Saitama, and Sainennji in Ibaraki. Upon his move to New York, he continued his studies at Kongouji.
In 1965, Rev. Ito settled in Los Gatos, California, where he became associated with Hakone Gardens in Saratoga. In 1997, he established Rinzai Hakone Zendo, where he currently conducts weekly Zen classes.
Recognizing the need for attention to the Upper House at Hakone Gardens, where the zendo is located, Rev. Ito, along with his wife, undertook significant efforts to restore and maintain it as a welcoming space for Sunday morning zazen sessions.
A pivotal moment in Rev. Ito’s life occurred on the 49th day following the events of 9/11. According to Buddhist tradition, the 49th day after death signifies a transformative period for the soul. Driven by his inner conviction, Rev. Ito felt compelled to travel to Ground Zero in New York City to perform a memorial service. Despite facing obstacles, he managed to gain access to the site and, unable to conduct his planned ritual, he instead sat amidst the debris, offering his prayers and tears for the souls lost in the tragedy.
Rev. Ito firmly believes that zazen serves as a remedy for the modern-day challenges. He observes that while advancements in science, technology, and society have evolved over the millennia, the fundamental issues of the human mind and heart remain largely unchanged. He advocates for zazen as a means for individuals to understand themselves deeply and strives to guide students on the path to mastering their inner selves.
Hakone Zendo 