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Video Testimonials from Deep Roots of Reiki Pilgrimage Attendees

Melhem Zouheiri @starseedreiki717

Speaking on the 2023 Pilgrimage & his

master attunement on Mt. Kurama

 Join Bruce Taylor for this amazing Pilgrimage that includes:

• 8 Days/7 Nights in the Kyoto area
• Tours of Mount Kurama and a very special audience with the head priest of Kurama Temple
• Full Moon fire ceremony on Kurama mountain led by the head priest of Kurama-dera temple – a profoundly moving and spiritual experience! 
• Tour of sacred Mt. Hiei with a private audience and training from Ajari Sama (an individual revered as a living god in Japan!) + so much more…get ready to be transformed as this day on Mt. Hiei will be a bookmark in your personal and spiritual evolution for sure! (make sure to see full tour itinerary for all that we will experience!)
• A magical tour of the Deep Kurama area – renowned for its spiritual heritage – where we will come together to write a new chapter in the spiritual history of this sacred valley!
• Private tour of Shogo-In Temple in Kyoto as well as a private Zen meditation experience led by Tosei Shinabe in the most significant Zen temple in Kyoto – Kenninji 
• Teachings from Bruce Taylor on Reiki, Spirituality, and Esoteric Buddhism within the Kurama temple complex & throughout the tour!
• Reiki Share Evening with Komyo Reiki-Do Teachers and Students (TBC)
• Time to explore the beauty of Kyoto with its wealth of temples, gardens, and rich history

The elegant simplicity of country life in Japan.  You will experience traditional Japanese culture, customs, and ways of life that are far removed from the tourist trail.

Do you have questions about the pilgrimage?  Contact me via the form below, and let’s talk!

Private audience with Enan Ajari Sama on Mt. Hiei.
He is a monk that is revered as a living incarnation
of the deity Fudo-myoo, making him one of the most significant spiritual figures in Japan. He has remained on Hiei
Mountain for the past 13 years dedicated to practice in the very temples and spaces we will join him in.  These are the same halls and temples that you can see in the video on the Kaihogyo below

Deep Roots of Reiki Pilgrimage Itinerary By Day & In Depth

👺 May 9th – Kyoto

• Free Morning & Yasaka Shrine: We will come together mid afternoon to kick off the pilgrimage at the Yasaka Shrine
• Kennin-ji Temple & Zen On our first evening, we will explore Kenninji Temple, Kyoto’s oldest Zen temple, before transitioning into a private Zazen meditation session at Ryosokuin Temple. Once the temple grounds are closed to the public for the day, we will be joined by Tosei Shinabe (Shinabe san on Instagram) | (toseishinabe.com)
  for a conversation on the nature of the mind followed by a private Zen practice within the most significant Zen temple in Kyoto!
• Evening: Free time to relax

👺 May 10th – Kyoto to Mt. Kurama

• Kurama Complex: You begin your first visit to Mt. Kurama with Reiki and spirituality teachings in the temple complex from Bruce Taylor.  Here you will begin your learning in guided teachings on Reiki, esoteric spirituality, and, of course on the mysteries of Mt. Kurama! 
• There will be opportunities to have Reiki attunements conducted at Osugi Gongen (the site of Usui Sensei’s enlightenment) as applicable (offered to rootsoflife.org students)
• Return to Kyoto: Dinner in Kyoto.

👺 May 11th – Kyoto to Mt. Hiei

• Mt. Hiei: The birthplace of Buddhism in Japan – arguably one of the most sacred places in the country!  We will explore the ancient temple grounds and rich history of the mountain and progress to a private zazen meditation practice in a secluded mountain temple that is closed to the public and serves as a meeting chamber for the imperial family of Japan!  
  From our zazen practice we will then enjoy a privileged tour of Hokke Sojiin Todo – which is the main stupa (out of 6 total in Japan) originally built by Saicho (who founded Tendai Buddhism in Japan).  This incredible stupa serves as a central axis of spiritual protection for the entire country and inside it houses 1,000 hand copied lotus sutras!   This is an EXCEPTIONALLY special opportunity as this stupa has only been open to the general public a small handful of times in the past 1200 years – and we will learn a very special aspect of this stupa that directly connects it to Mt. Kurama and Usui Reiki Ryoho!
• Blessing from a living god: From our meditation practice and visit to Hokke Sojiin Todo, we will then have our private audience with Ajari Sama – a monk who completed the Kaihogyo and is revered as a living god in Japan.  From this audience we will then move to our private Goma fire ceremony presented to us in the Wisdom King Hall by Ajari Sama and receive a fire blessing from a living god!  On the 2024 tour we were all left speechless after this event – the gravity of this deeply moving experience is difficult to convey in words!
• Guided Tour of the Enrakuji Temple Complex – Our journey on this sacred mountain continues with a fully guided tour of the most significant temples on the mountain led by the monks of the Enrakuji Temple complex.  Here we will again be able to learn of the significance of this deeply spiritual mountain directly from the monks!
• Return to Kyoto: Dinner and free time

👺 May 12th – Shogo-In &  Mt. Kurama

• Shogo-In Temple: After meeting together for lunch we will head to Shogo-In Temple in Kyoto.  Gain deep insights and understanding of the practice of Shugendo, esoteric spirituality, and the connections to both your journey and the practice of Reiki as we explore the former Imperial grounds of the Shogo-In temple via a private tour and teaching with the head priest.  This temple houses significant Japanese cultural and religious artefacts and is closed to the public – but you will discover it all via a full access tour! From Shogo-In we will make our way again to Kurama mountain for an unforgettable evening
• Uesaku Full Moon Fire Festival: We return to the main temple on Kurama again for a magical evening ceremony.  Here we let go into the beauty of the ceremony, into the energy of the full moon and the mountain.  Here you will feel the power of the deities of Kurama Mountain and be transformed by the energy of the group, the fire, and the moon.  It is a powerful and very special evening to say the least!

👺 May 13th – Kyoto to Deep Kurama

• Deep Kurama: We now progress deeper into the Kurama area for a rural Japanese cultural experience.  Your taste buds are going to thank you as you will enjoy a perfectly prepared gourmet meal from local chefs utilizing fully local, organic produce and products.  Our lunch is set in a beautifully restored, traditional Japanese farmhouse and is the perfect opportunity for you to meet our very special guests.  Here you are free to speak with monks, priests, esoteric practitioners or simply be fully emersed in traditional Japanese country living.  
• Fukuden-ji Temple: We come together to celebrate the first anniversary of Fukuden-ji temple.  Imagine yourself deep in the mountain countryside of Kurama, in a beautiful temple, receiving a powerful sutra dedicated to Bishamonten (the protector of the north).  From here we will begin our very special celebration for Fukuden-ji.  An unparalleled cultural experience awaits as you come together with our special guests in a traditional Goma ceremony to set the first chapter in the rebirth of this spiritual hub of Deep Kurama.  Following this we will enjoy a musical performance from Hiroki Okano to cristen the temple and you will be forever woven into the story of this deeply spiritual and mysteriously secluded area.  You will be present for the first chapter in a new ethos of spirituality and connectivity in the Kurama area, a hugely significant experience awaits!  

👺 May 14th – Touring Mt. Kurama 

• Kurama Mountain: We will arrive to Kurama-dera main temple for a very special morning prayer.  From here we will again explore the “Mountain of Darkness, Mountain of Light” with our private audience with the head priest of Kurama-dera temple.  Immerse yourself in the mountain as we come together for a private prayer ceremony in the main temple on Mt. Kurama.  From here we will be led by the head priest on a walking tour of the mountain – and guided tours of the temples and places of worship along the way.  Imagine walking in the footsteps of Usui Sensei and all the monks and pilgrims who have travelled these same trails – and then see yourself receiving detailed teachings and understandings of the significance of these temples on a firsthand basis directly from both Bruce Taylor and the head priest of Mt. Kurama!  
• Evening: Returning to Kyoto city in the late afternoon we will have a bit of free time to relax before joining with  Inamoto Sensei and Komyo Reiki-do practitioners (TBC) for an evening Reiki healing practice and share.  Tucked in a quaint temple, here you will experience the simplicity and depth of traditional Japanese Reiki from local and foreign practitioners alike.  These evenings are a wonderful opportunity to chat with local practitioners, Inamoto Sensei and foreign guests – all coming together to share in Reiki.  Please note, this evenig share is yet to be confirmed, and if it does not take place, then we will have a relaxed evening in Kyoto for dinner and site seeing.

👺 May 15th – Kyoto – A Magical Day Awaits 

Aio Matsuri Festival and Kyoto

• Aio Matsuri Festival – Today we will enjoy one of the three major festivals of the year in Kyoto!  We will have privileged access to the Aoi Matsuri Festival with exclusive seating within the Shimagamo Shrine ensuring spectacular views of this significant festival.  Participants arrive dressed in traditional attire from the Heian Period (794-1185).  The Shimogawa Shrine predates the foundation of Kyoto itself. Established in the seventh century, it found a powerful patron in the Imperial court. The emperor’s daughter served here as a shrine maiden, its beautiful setting playing host to many a royal ceremony. One year the priests decorated the buildings with hollyhock. This was the forerunner to the Aoi Matsuri, or the Hollyhock Festival. 
• Late Afternoon – We will then have the late afternoon for final sightseeing in and around Kyoto 
• Evening – Final evening meal together and opportunity to reflect on this incredible journey 

👺 May 16th – The final embrace 

• Toji Temple: Here we are – the final day.  Why Toji Temple?  This is your moment to put it all together.  This has been a transformative journey.  You have seen and experienced Japanese esoteric spirituality and the roots of Reiki far beyond the lens of a tourist.  You have likely received deep guidance on your own journey and have likely uncovered more questions and wonderings about yourself.  One thing is certain – you did it and a new chapter is now unfolding for you.  Here, at Toji Temple, you will begin to write that chapter.  
• Tour Concludes at ~12:30: We share our final embrace and final photos together – but it is not goodbye.  The journey continues from here and we remain bound by all that we experienced together.  The experiences you had, the people you’ve met, the places you’ve seen – all of these serve as components to your journey

– Given the nature of our experience, the guests involved, and external circumstances that may be beyond control, the above itinerary may change or be modified at anytime and without notice.  However, what is shown here and above is considered up to date and should be what you can expect to experience, at a minimum, on the pilgrimage.

The Kaihogyo – A taste of what’s to come on Mt. Hiei

Bruce Taylor teaching at the base of Mt. Kurama during the 2023 tour

 Refund Policy & Further Details:

The tour is strictly limited to 20 people.

It is the full responsibility of each tour participant to ensure any/all travel requirements are met:

Adhering to the tour refund policy as outlined below, please note that there will be NO refunds offered should an individual not be able to join the tour because of visa/document/personal issues that may arise beyond the dates set forward in the refund policy.  This is inclusive of personal injury or family issues that may arise.

Tour Size, Booking and Refund Policy:

Tour dates: May 9 – 16, 2025
Early Bird Pricing is open until 31st October 2024 for rootsoflife.org members only!  Not yet a member? Register Here

Tour Group Size min/max:
Minimum number for tour to run: 12 pax (or per the discretion of rootsoflife.org)
Maximum: 20 pax

Should the minimum of 12 pax (or as noted by rootsoflife.org) not be met then all booking fees will be refunded in full to each person (not restricted to the refund policy dates as discussed below)

Tour Liability Policy:

From your payment which secures your space on the Deep Roots of Reiki Tour 2025, you agree to remove Bruce Taylor, Rootsoflife.org, and any associated guests, and those deemed as guests by Bruce Taylor, fully free from any liability – personal or otherwise – from your attendance on this tour.
Further you have agreed that you have fully read and fully agree to the tour liability terms and conditions which is outlined within the general terms and conditions for rootsoflife.org, which can be found here  

Refund Policy Dates:

For all bookings (inclusive of full payments and deposits), the following refund dates will be observed:

Before Oct 31, 2024 – bookings (deposits and full bookings) are 100% Refundable

From November 1, 2024 – to January 31, 2025 – bookings (deposits and full bookings) are
50% Refundable

From February 1st until the tour – Booking is NOT refundable, AND FURTHER from February 1st – deposits for bookings will NO LONGER be accepted.

Because of the nature of this experience and all involved in planning this pilgrimage, advanced reservations that have been made for the pilgrimage, exclusive confirmed experiences for the pilgrimage and so on, the above refund policy timeline will be strictly followed, and exceptions to the above cannot be entertained.

What is included in the tour cost, and what costs are your responsibility?

Included in your booking of this tour via Rootsoflife.org  are the guiding and teaching services offered by Bruce Taylor and opportunities with special guests (i.e. priests, monks, musicians, scholars, etc) on the tour (when appropriate).  Also included in the cost are your meals and transportation during our time in Deep Kurama.  Other items may be included in your tour booking without notice and, if applicable, these will be noted to you on the first day of the tour.  

Further, there will be a PRIVATE Facebook group established where I will share tour information and travel details and assist with your questions on accommodation and logistics. 

What is NOT included in the tour cost listed here at Rootsoflife.org?

You are responsible for:

• Accommodation in Kyoto for the duration of the tour.  It is recommended that your lodging is around the Gion/Yashaka Shrine area of Kyoto, as we will be meeting in this area and starting our excursions from here. (please see map below for exact meeting point)

  Lodging can be arranged to your taste and budget via Airbnb.  I would recommend Airbnb bookings as you are generally able to get more unique lodging for a similar price to a hotel.  Please click here to check properties around the Yashaka Shrine area on Airbnb. 

  Further, I am happy to recommend the following hotels, which span a variety of budgets:
  – Good Nature Hotel Kyoto (https://goodnaturehotels.com/ja/home-ja/)
  – Yoin Hotel Kyoto Gion (https://rinn-kyomachi.com/en/list/yoin-hotel-kyoto-gion/)
  – Rinn Gion (https://rinn-kyomachi.com/en/list/rinn-gion-shirakawa-%E2%80%BB3%E6%9C%88open/)
  – The Hotel Higashiyama (https://www.tokyuhotels.co.jp/higashiyama-h/index.html)
  – Granbel Hotel Kyoto (https://www.granbellhotel.jp/kyoto/)

  Our pick-up and drop-off location will be the Statue of Izumo-no-Okuni, as shown below.  All of the recommended hotels (except the Hotel Higashiyama) are within a few minutes walk of our meeting point.

• Fees associated with our experience on Mt. Kurama (sutra copying, private prayer practice for Shoten), or some other temple experiences on Mt. Hiei, (specifically access to the Hokke Sojiin Todo temple) and further tickets for the Aio Matsuri festival – estimated cost for this is around ~30 USD/person per experiecnce.  These fees are subject to change due to the nature of the tour and full expense details will be shared on day one of the tour. 

• Transport TO and FROM Kyoto.

• Flights to and from your home country to Osaka or a point of entry of your choice into Japan (with further transport to Kyoto arranged on your own)

• All transport costs within Japan (rail, taxi, bus, etc) – excluding the transport explicitly noted above as included

• Any admission fees to any sites, temples, and any associated costs with all excursions beyond those which are either explicitly or implicitly noted from the tour and/or Bruce Taylor/Rootsoflife.org

• All food-related expenses (meals, snacks, etc) – please note that the ONLY meals included in the booking price are those as noted above during our time in Deep Kurama.  All other meals and food-related expenses are NOT included. 

• Travel insurance, medical insurance, or any other personal fees or expenses you may incur that are not directly related to the guided services as outlined in the section above.  It is STRONGLY advised that you purchase fully refundable flights and a comprehensive travel insurance policy that will ensure your external trip costs can be fully refunded if the tour does not take place because of pandemics, acts of god, unforeseen travel restrictions, border closings, or any other issues that may arrise. 

  A General Estimate On Prices In Kyoto:

  GREAT NEWS! Currently, the Japanese YEN is at its lowest price against the USD in 30 YEARS!  Your USD and EUR are going to go FAR in Japan! 

  Visa Fee: (USA, Europe, and most countries enter visa-free. Some countries may need to apply in advance; please check this list:

  General Transportation Estimated Costs:
  Osaka-Kyoto bullet train ~$10 each way
  Subway ride in Kyoto ~$1 USD per trip (depends on distance traveled)
  Bus fare ~$1 USD per trip, based on distance
  Taxi in Kyoto ~$10-25 USD depending on distance

  Entrance to most shrines (Mt. Kurama, etc) ~$5 USD or less

  Dinner out at a mid-range restaurant ~$15-20 USD
  Budget restaurant dinner (still amazing food!) ~$6 USD

  Onsen (public bath) entrance fee ~$7-10 USD per person and usually good for an entire day

  A rough estimate on all of the above might be around $40 USD/35 EUR/day for food, admission, transport, and general expenses. Slightly more depending on the quality of restaurants and transport used.

  As a very rough estimate for the total trip cost, you should budget between 6-7.5K EUR (~ 6500-8000 USD)  , which would be inclusive of all travel, personal expenses, and retreat costs,