Enko Sakai, born in Aichi Prefecture, is a Japanese Buddhist high priest renowned on the global stage. His reputation is solidified by his role as the chief priest of Myojoin and his expertise in Zen meditation and mindfulness.
A clear sign of mental well-being, according to Sakai, is the ability to meditate for approximately two minutes without succumbing to distracting thoughts or the need for music.
Sakai elaborates on the concept of “zatsunen,” or worldly thoughts, which he identifies as a primary cause of everyday difficulties. These are distractions that do not serve us in the present moment. Sakai attributes zatsunen to several factors, including mental exhaustion, stress, and aging. He warns that neglecting the mind’s signals can lead to a decline in abilities that once seemed effortless, resulting in diminished concentration, memory, and judgment, alongside an increase in workplace errors. This is particularly concerning for those who are generally attentive and capable but prone to overthinking.
For many years, Sakai has dedicated himself to developing methods that alleviate stress and enhance mental control. His introduction of innovative practices, such as Zen classes at Myojoin, earned him recognition in 2015 by The Japan Times as one of the “100 Next-Era Leaders in Asia.” His work has garnered international acclaim, particularly in the United States.
Sakai’s lectures have been well-received, including those hosted by the Japanese Consulate in San Francisco. Additionally, he has delivered lectures at California State University, San Jose, in 2019, and California State University, Sacramento, in 2022.
As a consultant, Sakai has contributed to organizations such as Aloha Network Japan Inc., Aloha Network Hawaii Inc., Miyakojima Wedding & Produce, Inc., and RDD Sterilization Service. His diverse activities include a talk event with notable figures like playwright Kankuro Kudo.
Committed to lifelong learning, Sakai has attended lectures by senior doctors at Stanford University, currently ranked third globally, and visited leading companies such as Google and Tesla as part of the Well-Being Conference.
In 2019, Sakai was named one of the “Next-Era Leaders” by The New York Times and received the “Philosophy Category” award at the Next Era Leaders Award Ceremony during “The Future of Everything,” an event sponsored by The Wall Street Journal.
Looking ahead, Sakai plans to retire as the chief priest of Myojoin Temple to focus on humanitarian projects, with a particular ambition to establish orphanages throughout Southeast Asia. He also aims to create a Zen promotion center in San Francisco to promote authentic Zen practices and generate support for his initiatives.
This fall, Sakai is set to publish a book on “zazen” through Gentosha Inc. His increasing global influence is further evidenced by requests to teach at various universities and corporations worldwide. For those interested in Zen, mindfulness, and related practices, Sakai’s upcoming book and website offer valuable resources.