Donation protected
Hi, My name is Kiku. I am raising funds to move to Sanshin Temple in Bloomington, Indiana, to study under renowned sewing teacher Yuko Okumura for one year. During this apprenticeship, I will learn Buddhist robe (Okesa) sewing, technique, and history, initially written in Vinaya (text on monastic discipline) and other texts such as Shobogenzo Kesakudoku by Dogen Zenji. This project would build upon my sewing skills and ensure this traditional, 2,500-year-old Buddhist robe sewing knowledge to the next generation. Yuko is the only teacher in the U.S. who received formal one-year sewing trainings at Antai Temple, Kyoto, Japan, under the lineage of Zen Master; Kodo Sawaki, who revived the tradition of hand-sewing kesa in modern Japan.
After this apprenticeship, I hope to be able to spread this knowledge to various temples around the United States, and thus help to ensure the preservation of this sewing lineage, which is derived directly from Buddha. Unfortunately, this sewing practice is dying out even in Japan. Though at a few temples the monks still sew their own robes, most priests in both Japan and the US purchase their robes for ordination. Preserving this knowledge will be critical to changing that reality and returning to the tradition of personal sewing practice. Geographically, this knowledge will first be shared with Soto Zen temples across the US, including in New York, California, and North Carolina.
These funds will help with my cost of living in Indiana, including rent, transportation, and food. Additionally, it will help cover the temple practice fee, sewing materials and tools, and donations to the teacher.
After this apprenticeship, I hope to be able to spread this knowledge to various temples around the United States, and thus help to ensure the preservation of this sewing lineage, which is derived directly from Buddha. Unfortunately, this sewing practice is dying out even in Japan. Though at a few temples the monks still sew their own robes, most priests in both Japan and the US purchase their robes for ordination. Preserving this knowledge will be critical to changing that reality and returning to the tradition of personal sewing practice. Geographically, this knowledge will first be shared with Soto Zen temples across the US, including in New York, California, and North Carolina.
These funds will help with my cost of living in Indiana, including rent, transportation, and food. Additionally, it will help cover the temple practice fee, sewing materials and tools, and donations to the teacher.
Organizer
Kikuko Morimoto
Organizer
Millerton, NY