Kômyôji

Study and practice of South Asian and East Asian thinking and spiritualities

Initiators
The institution was founded by Volker Zotz in cooperation with Kōshō Ōtani.

Occasion
The impulse for founding Kômyôji came from Lama Anagarika Govinda, who, in the 1980s, encouraged Volker Zotz to set up a place for the study and practice of South Asian and East Asian thinking and spiritualities. The name “Kômyôji“ is derived from the Japanese reading of three Chinese characters: Kô means “light”, a universal allegory for insight and orientation. Myô is composed of the symbols for sun and moon. When pronounced mei, it may mean perspicacity, clear vision, knowledge and insight. Ji denotes “temple”.

Target Groups
The association invites anyone feeling addressed by Kômyôji´s objectives and activities to become supporting members (Fördernde Mitglieder). In addition, students are welcome to attend the study programs and events offered as studying members (Studierende Mitglieder). Full members, which are also part of the association, should identify with Kômyôji´s purpose and mission, and are, through their knowledge and skills, able to actively and responsibly engage in different areas of the organization´s work.

Objectives
Kômyôji aims at promoting intercultural philosophical and religious dialogue, and at enabling encounter with the major traditions of South Asia and East Asia. In addition, the program is meant to promote research pertaining to the areas and to convey the findings in theoretical as well as practical trainings.

Topics
Topics relate to Eurasian Humanism, intercultural spirituality and the spiritual traditions of Asia and the Occident. The focal points are Confucian traditions, Buddhism, Daoism, Shintoism and the spiritual lore of India.

Duration
The organization was founded August 7, 1994 and has been active since.

Activities
Kômyôji offers a range of activities:

  • Study and training programs (mostly as correspondence courses)
  • Buddhist Seminar
    • Basic Course Buddhism
    • Tibetan mysticism
  • Symposiums, conventions and seminars
  • Establishing of research and educational institutions
  • Promotion of study and research activities

Form of Organization
Registered association

Funding
The organization is funded by membership fees.

Products
Magazine „Damaru“, from 2021 on also available online

Book publications:

  • „Schnittstellen. Buddhistische Begegnungen mit Schamanismus und westlicher Kultur. Festschrift für Armin Gottmann zum 70. Geburtstag“ (2013)
  • „Mit dem Buddha der Zukunft. Leitmotive des Arya Maitreya Mandala“ (2013)
  • „Konfuzius für den Westen. Neue Sehnsucht nach alten Werten“ (2013)
  • „Initiation. Vorbereitung, Praxis, Wirkung“ (2014)

Website | Social Media | Contact
http://www.komyoji.at/

Birgit Zotz, MBA
Loibes 19
3812 Groß Siegharts

E-mail: office@komyoji.at

 

editor: jl / update: jv / bs 2022