Japanese > English > Message The Unity of Learning and Practice : A message from Einin Ohno, President, Aichi Gakuin University. Since its establishment in 1876 as a Zen Buddhist school, Aichi Gakuin University has developed over the last 130 years into one of the largest institutions of higher education in the Chubu, or central, area of Japan. Aichi Gakuin University has eight undergraduate programs that include the, Faculty of Letters. the Faculty of Psychological and Physical Science, the Faculty of Commerce, the Faculty of Management, the Faculty of Law, the Faculty of Policy Studies, the School of Pharmacy, and the School of Dentistry. It also has six doctoral programs. The founding spirit of Aichi Gakuin University is based on the principles of Buddhism, and in particular Zen Buddhism and the teachings of Dogen Zenji, which acknowledge the importance of “the Unity of Learning and Practice.” Guided by this spirit, Aichi Gakuin aims at cultivating in its students a sense of gratitude that will enable them to contribute to the human welfare, enrich their culture, and empower them to make a positive contribution to society. The Institute for Zen Studies has been in existence for 40 years with the intention of investigating Zen spirit and thought and spreading the founding spirit of Aichi Gakuin University not only to our staff and students but to society as well. Today’s world needs a deepening of spiritual values as much as practical knowledge and technological advancement. I firmly believe, therefore, that the Institute will continue to assume its mission to contribute to the welfare and happiness of people all over the world. Director's　Message from Shuryu Okajima, The Institute for Zen Studies of AGU The Institute for Zen Studies was established in 1965 as the organization for promoting the founding spirit of Aichi Gakuin Univerisity. The slogans of our university, “Unite Learning and Practice” and “Have a Sense of Gratitude towards All Life in the World” represent this founding spirit. Since then, the Institute has developed as a center for the research and practice of Zen Buddhism through the efforts of its staff and of various supporting members. As part of our ongoing academic efforts, we　annually issue The Journal of the Institute for Zen Studies (Zen Kenkyusho Kiyo) of Aichi Gakuin University. The Institute also invites respected scholars of Zen Buddhism for special lectures, holds study meetings and lectures, and organizes annual tours for studying Zen Buddhism. Moreover, with the intention of affording others an opportunity to practice Zen Buddhism, the Institute holds at our Zen Meditation Hall monthly sessions of Zen meditation which are open to the general public. The purpose of our Institute is the research of Zen Buddhism and the enhancement of Zen Buddhist teachings, and especially the spirit of “Shikan-Taza” advocated by Dogen-Zenji(1200-1253) and Keizan-Zenji(1263-1325). As such, we reiterate our resolve to continue our activity in spreading the spirit of Zen Buddhism not only to our staff and students but to our community, our society and the world at large. You are heartily invited to support the Institute and join its activities. Japanese : Top on this page Copyright(C)　The Institute for Zen Studies　Aichi Gakuin Universit All rights of republication in this page are reserved.