G7- 善光寺での校外学習 Study Trip to Zenkoji Temple

7年生は10月13日・14日の2日間、長野県の善光寺で1泊2日の宿泊学習を行いました。目的は「日本の伝統文化への理解を深めること」、そして「集団生活を通して自己管理能力や協調性を育むこと」でした。

【1日目】 善光寺に到着後、昼食をとってから写経に取り組みました。静寂の中で心を落ち着かせ、集中して向き合う姿が見られました。その後はガイドの案内で善光寺周辺を巡り、至る所に残る歴史や言い伝えに深く感銘を受けていました。宿坊では精進料理をいただき、肉や魚を使わない工夫や食のありがたみを体験しました。夜には希望者が「十夜会（じゅうやえ）」に参加し、灯りが限られた厳かな雰囲気の中で行われる法要を体験しました。

【2日目】 「お朝事（おあさじ）」に参加するため、朝6時前に宿坊を出発して善光寺へ向かいました。その際、お導師様から「お数珠頂戴（おじゅずちょうだい）」をいただきました。続いて「お戒壇巡り」を行い、暗闇の中で「極楽の錠前」に触れる貴重な体験をしました。 朝食後は、坐禅とフィールドワークを実施しました。フィールドワークでは、事前に設定したリサーチクエスチョンをもとに、現地の人に直接質問をするなどして調査活動を行いました。
　
すべての行程を予定通り無事に終え、体調を崩す生徒もおらず、昼食後に全員で無事帰路に就きました。
　初めての場所や宿坊での生活に、生徒たちは当初「どんなところなのだろう」と不安と期待が入り混じった様子でしたが、全行程を終えた今、生徒たちにとって非常に学びの多い宿泊学習になったと感じております。　
　今後は「Academic Fair」を通じ、生徒たちから保護者の皆様へ学習成果を発表する機会を設ける予定です。ぜひ、生徒たちの発表にお越しください。

Grade 7 Overnight Study Trip to Zenkoji Temple
On October 13 and 14, Grade 7 students took part in a two-day, one-night study trip to Zenkoji Temple in Nagano Prefecture. The goals of the trip were to deepen their understanding of traditional Japanese culture and to develop self-management skills and cooperation through communal living.
【Day 1】
After arriving at Zenkoji Temple and having lunch, the students practiced shakyo (sutra copying). In the quiet atmosphere, they calmed their minds and concentrated carefully on the task.
They then explored the area around Zenkoji Temple with a local guide. The students were deeply impressed by the history and legends that remain throughout the area.
At the temple lodging, known as a shukubo, they enjoyed shojin ryori, traditional Buddhist vegetarian cuisine. This gave them an opportunity to learn about the creativity involved in preparing meals without meat or fish and to appreciate the value of food.
In the evening, some students chose to attend the Juyaye Buddhist service. They experienced a solemn religious ceremony held in a peaceful atmosphere with limited lighting.
【Day 2】
To attend Oasaji, the temple’s early morning service, the students left the temple lodging before 6:00 a.m. and headed to Zenkoji Temple. During this visit, they received Ojuju Chodai, a traditional blessing in which the head priest touches the heads of worshippers with a Buddhist prayer bead necklace.
The students also experienced Okaidan Meguri, a passage through a completely dark corridor beneath the temple’s main hall, where they sought to touch the “lock to paradise,” a meaningful experience in Zenkoji’s Buddhist tradition.
After breakfast, the students practiced zazen (seated meditation) and took part in fieldwork. For their research, they used the research questions they had prepared in advance and interviewed local people directly to gather information.
All activities were completed safely and as scheduled. Fortunately, no students became ill, and everyone began the journey home together after lunch.
Reflections on the Trip
At first, many students seemed to have mixed feelings of excitement and uncertainty as they wondered what it would be like to visit an unfamiliar place and stay at a temple lodging. However, having completed all the activities, we believe this trip provided them with many valuable learning experiences.
Looking ahead, students will have an opportunity to share what they learned with their parents and the wider school community through the Academic Fair. We warmly invite you to attend and listen to the students’ presentations.