Shiatsu Meets Zen: A Healing Circle at Dai Bosatsu Zendo

Reconnecting with Our Roots, Our Community, and Nature

From August 21–23, 2026, members of our Shiatsu community gathered at International Dai Bosatsu Zendo Kongo-ji in the beautiful Catskill Mountains of New York. Surrounded by forests, mountains, fresh air, and peaceful silence, we stepped away from our busy lives to reconnect with ourselves and one another.

Our gathering, Shiatsu Meets Zen: A Healing Circle, was more than a retreat. It was a reunion of friends, practitioners, teachers, and lifelong healing students who share a deep love for Shiatsu and a desire to preserve its spirit for future generations.

Returning to the Spirit of Shiatsu

Many of us studied through the Ohashiatsu program, and during the weekend, we remembered how valuable, profound and comprehensive that training was. It gave us a strong foundation—not only in technique, but also in body mechanics, movement, observation, compassion, and the art of being fully present with another person.

We shared memories of our teachers, our studies, and the experiences that shaped our lives as practitioners. We recognized that our tradition has given us something precious. We want to preserve what was good, continue learning from it, and carry its wisdom forward.

Shiatsu is not simply a collection of techniques. It is communication through touch. It teaches us to listen with our hands, use our whole body, respect the receiver, and trust the natural movement of Ki.

Practicing, Sharing, and Learning Together

Throughout the retreat, we exchanged Shiatsu sessions and learned from one another’s individual styles and experiences. Each practitioner brought something unique to the gathering. Some had decades of professional experience, while others brought knowledge of yoga, meditation, sound healing, acupuncture, movement, and other healing traditions.

There was no competition and no need to prove anything. We simply practiced, observed, listened, and shared.

Receiving Shiatsu also reminded us that practitioners need care. When we continually support other people, we can forget to receive support ourselves. During this weekend, we had time to rest, renew our Ki, and remember the importance of caring for our own bodies and minds.

Zen, Silence, and Nature

The peaceful environment of Dai Bosatsu Zendo helped us slow down and become more aware. Walking meditation, silent meditation, chanting, quiet reflection, yoga, crystal bowl meditation, Mawashi & Self Reiki Meditation, CranioSacral work, hiking, swimming, Forest bathing, Sun Bathing, canoeing, Makko Ho, shared meals, and time in nature all became part of our healing experience. Visiting graveyard of our teacher, Pauline Sasaki Sensei and her family. 

Zen and Shiatsu share an important quality: both invite us to be completely present.

In silence, we become more sensitive. We notice our breathing, posture, emotions, and the subtle condition of our Ki. When giving Shiatsu from this quiet place, our touch becomes more attentive, intuitive, and compassionate.

Nature was also one of our greatest teachers. The forest reminded us that healing does not need to be forced. Trees grow according to their own timing. Water finds its natural path. The seasons change without hurry. In the same way, Shiatsu supports each person’s natural ability to restore balance. The weather reminds us that nothing stays same. The Mountain reminded us our immovable hearts. Bird reminded us to play and sing. Frogs reminded us to jump high. 

A Community With a Shared Responsibility

Our gathering also gave us an opportunity to speak honestly about the future of Shiatsu. Our profession faces challenges, including differences in educational quality and a need for more well-trained practitioners and teachers.

If we want Shiatsu to continue, experienced practitioners must share what they have learned. Knowledge becomes more meaningful when it is passed to the next generation.

Five Lights Center needs more teachers, mentors, supporters, and practitioners who are willing to contribute their wisdom. We hope our community members will write about their experiences, teach workshops, support students, and help introduce authentic Japanese Shiatsu to a wider public.

We also need donors who believe in our mission. Their support will help us preserve the tradition, provide educational opportunities, train future teachers, and bring Shiatsu to communities that may not otherwise have access to it.

Becoming Lights for the Future

One of the most beautiful memories of the retreat was seeing the stars shining in the clear night sky.

Each star appeared small on its own, but together they illuminated the darkness. Our Shiatsu community is the same. Each person carries a unique light—a particular experience, skill, story, or form of wisdom.

When we remain connected and share our light, our entire profession becomes brighter. 

We returned home rested, inspired, and deeply grateful. We are thankful to Dai Bosatsu Zendo for welcoming us, to everyone who helped organize the retreat, and to each participant who brought openness, kindness, compassion,  generosity, and healing hands to our circle.

May we continue to practice together, learn from one another, preserve the best of our tradition, and move forward with courage and faith. 

May all of us become stars that shine for the future of Shiatsu.