Monasterio Budista Zen
Meditation temple among palm trees, on the slope of Uritorco.
The Shobogenji Zen Temple is a Buddhist monastery of the Soto school that stands on the slope of Cerro Uritorco, in the Ojo de Agua area, about five kilometers from Capilla del Monte. Founded in 1998 by master Kosen Thibaut, a disciple of Taisen Deshimaru, it is considered the first Zen temple in Latin America. Surrounded by mountain wilderness, mineral water springs, and land that was sacred to the Comechingones, it is a space entirely dedicated to the practice of zazen, seated meditation. It has a 100-square-meter dojo, dining room, kitchen, ecological dry toilets, showers, a vegetable garden, and a two-story dome to house practitioners. It receives visitors from all over the world, especially during summer retreats. It is a place of silence, simplicity, and connection with nature.
What makes this place unique
- First Zen temple of the Soto school in Latin America
- 100 m² meditation dojo on the very slope of Uritorco
- Pure mineral water spring from the Ojo de Agua area
- Mountain wilderness setting and ancient sacred Comechingón land
- Free introduction to zazen on Saturdays at 10 hs
A bit of history
The temple was born in 1998 at the hands of French master Kosen Thibaut, a direct disciple of Taisen Deshimaru, the monk who brought Soto Zen to the West. The following year, in 1999, master Kosen's community (sangha) in Argentina bought the land on the slopes of Uritorco, the highest hill in the Sierras Chicas of Córdoba. With the collective work of the practitioners, the dojo, refectory, kitchen, showers fed by spring water, ecological toilets, and a small house for the master were built. The site was chosen partly for its spiritual charge: ancient Comechingón land and an area famous in Argentine ufology. Over the years it became the first Zen temple in Latin America. In 2005, the place and Capilla del Monte served as the setting for the Argentine film Un Buda.
URI's tips
Arrive early and in silence: it is a practice space, not a conventional tourist spot. Let them know in advance if you plan to stay to meditate or lodge. Respect the mountain, its plants, and animals. Wear dark, comfortable clothing for zazen and avoid strong perfumes.
What to bring
Comfortable clothing, preferably dark for practice, footwear suitable for walking in the mountains, warm clothing for the night, water, and an attitude of respect and silence.
How to get to Monasterio Budista Zen
5 km from downtown Capilla del Monte. 15 to 20 minutes by car.
From the center of Capilla del Monte, take the road that goes up towards Cerro Uritorco in the direction of the Ojo de Agua area, covering about 5 kilometers. The final stretch is a gravel mountain road, so it's advisable to wear appropriate footwear and, if going by car, drive carefully. It can also be done on foot as part of a hike along the slopes of the hill.
What everyone asks
Do you need to know how to meditate to visit it?
No. On Saturdays at 10 hs there is an introduction to the posture and practice of zazen designed for beginners. Only comfortable clothing and willingness are required.
Can you sleep at the temple?
Yes, it has a two-story dome to house practitioners and camping areas. For stays of several days, you must coordinate in advance through the temple's contact channels.
What Buddhist tradition does it belong to?
To Zen Buddhism of the Soto school, in the line of master Taisen Deshimaru, through his disciple Kosen Thibaut, founder of the temple in 1998.
