Unsui
うんすい
Industry & Occupation
Classification
- Major : Professional Occupations in Legal, Business, Cultural and Artistic Fields
- Middle : Religious Workers
- Minor : Religious Workers
Summary
A practitioner who undergoes a rigorous monastic life in a Zen temple to embody Zen teachings and aim for enlightenment.
Description
Unsui are successor monks affiliated with a Zen temple, engaging in disciplined communal living and daily practice under a master monk. Centered on zazen, they unify body and mind through diverse practices such as samu (labor like cleaning and cooking), kinhin (walking meditation), sutra copying, and ritual etiquette to learn the essence of Zen. Strict precepts and communal life with master monks and peers cultivate self-reflection and compassion for others. After the training period, they receive precepts, obtain formal monastic registration, and begin their path as monks.
Future Outlook
Although the number aspiring to become unsui is declining due to falling birthrates, aging, and urbanization, growing interest in Zen experiences and mindfulness is expected to create new roles and propagation opportunities.
Personality Traits
Work Style
Ascetic training / Dormitory living / Temple and shrine work
Career Path
Unsui apprentice → Precepted monk → Abbot assistant → Abbot → Zen master
Required Skills
Discipline compliance / Samu practice ability / Sutra chanting / Zazen
Recommended Skills
Basic incense ceremony knowledge / Classical Chinese reading / Sutra copying / Tea ceremony
Aptitudes (Strengths Preferred)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Attention to Detail & Accuracy | Because it is necessary to accurately perform the detailed movements in samu and rituals. |
| Learning Agility & Knowledge Acquisition | Because it is necessary to continuously study various scriptures and Zen teachings. |
| Physical Stamina & Endurance | Because physical endurance is required to withstand long hours of samu and zazen. |
| Stress Tolerance | Because it is necessary to endure long hours of zazen and harsh training environments. |
| Collaboration & Teamwork | Because collaboration is essential in communal living and cooperative samu. |
Aptitudes (Weaknesses Acceptable)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Creativity & Ideation | Because reproducing traditional rituals is valued more than creativity. |
| Numerical & Quantitative Analysis | Because mathematical tasks rarely occur. |
Aliases
- Trainee monk
- Zen monk
Related Jobs
- Abbot
- Monk
- Nun
- Zen master