This paper aims to reconsider the notion of Zen by describing participants' interpretations of Zazen practice within the modern Buddhist framework called Zazen-kai (坐禅会). Zen has been studied both philosophically and through Shû-gaku (宗学) study into each sect, as a pure concept and as traditional training. However, many Koji (居士), secular practitioners, undertake Zazen, the main training of Zen sects, for short periods as a practice separated from traditional Buddhist hierarchy or ritual. These practitioners do not feel it necessary to become a monk. This practice lies outside the spheres traditionally encompassed by Zen philosophy and Shu-gaku. Accordingly, this research employed participant observation and semi-structured interviews to explore and interpret the behavior of participants. Zazen-kai at the Engakuji temple, one of the major Zen temples in Eastern Japan, is ideal for this research because the interaction of traditional Buddhism and secularity produces complex interpretations of participants’ practices. There were positive interpretations and borrowings from traditional Buddhism, but participants expressed a division between professionals and beginners. As the context of each encounter with traditional Zen is different, some conflict arose among participants. Although some only engaged with Zen and traditional religion on a superficial level, there were diverse and subtle differences in behavior.

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