What is the typical program schedule like? Do students have time to explore Kyoto and nearby cities on their own, and if so, approximately how much time?
Students typically begin the day with a 40-minute period of meditation at 5:30 am on weekdays. This is followed by a short sutra recitation service, temple cleaning and a vegetarian breakfast. Classes start at 8 am and are finished by 1 pm at the latest (and usually earlier). Following lunch, typically at the student cafeteria of Buddhist-affiliated Ryukoku University, students are free to socialize with Japanese peers in the afternoon or visit the many wonderful museums, gardens, hiking trails and sights of Kyoto and environs. There is a late afternoon meditation period for interested students but participation is optional. Evening meals, featuring both vegetarian and non-vegetarian food, are eaten together, typically at 6:30-7:00 pm. Evenings are normally free for study, homework, etc. Saturdays are completely free but Sundays are used for optional excursions to Buddhist-related sites in the Kyoto vicinity. All Buddhist-related excursions and temple stays are included in the program
