Meisou Meditation for Those on the Path to Awakening Program
With Seiji Yamamoto
April 23 - 26, 2026
Menla is excited to welcome Seiji Yamamoto Sensei from Japan for a first ever US workshop on Meisou Meditation. His method of Meisou Meditation literally means “Clear Light” meditation in Japanese. It is a method to directly awaken to the Light which is our true nature from the beginningless time. We will start by learning the principles of Light, which are the foundation of practicing Meisou Meditation. Then, we will learn physical Shinto practices to move qi and a breathing technique to bring the body into equilibrium before beginning the practice of Meisou Meditation. Ample time will be given to practicing the method in addition to in depth discussions and Q&A. You will feel confident and comfortable to practice on your own when you leave the retreat.
There are 4 steps in the Meisou Meditation.
- Step 1- Spiritual knowledge (lectures on the principles of Light)
- Step 2-Physical practice (physical Shinto exercises, breathing technique, and Meisou Meditation)
- Step 3- Experience the inner awakening through spiritual exercises
- Step 4- Deepening the awakening to the Great Light
**We will focus on practicing Step 1 and 2 during this retreat. You will be comfortable practicing on your own and progress through Step 3 and 4 during individual practices.
*This retreat will be taught in Japanese with simultaneous English translation.
Seiji Yamamoto is a master of Ko-Shinto (Ancient Shinto), Seitai Bodywork, and the ancient divination practices of Feng Shui and The 4 Pillars of Destiny. Upon the installation of the Shinto shrine of Sukunahikona on the Menla ground in October 2023, he conducted the traditional Shinto ceremony to welcome the deity, therefore successfully establishing the shrine. He is also the lineage holder of Meisou Meditation from his teacher, Toshihiko Chibana. His book on Meisou Meditation published in Japan in 2023 is currently being translated to English.
Schedule
Thursday April 23
- 3 – 6 pm Arrival and Check-in
- 6 – 7 pm Dinner
- 7:30 – 9 pm Welcome Program: Introduction of the teachers and explaining about the retreat program
Friday April 24
- 8 – 9 am Breakfast
- 9:30 am – 12 pm Morning Program focused on lectures
- 12:30 – 1:30 pm Lunch
- 2 – 4 pm Physical Practices and Meisou Meditation
- 6 – 7 pm Dinner
- 7:30 – 9 pm Practice of Meisou Meditation + Q&A
Saturday April 25
- 8 – 9 am Breakfast
- 9:30 am – 12 pm Morning Program focused on lectures
- 12:30 – 1:30 pm Lunch
- 2 – 5 pm Physical Practices and Meisou Meditation
- 6 – 7 pm Dinner
- 7:30 – 9 pm Meisou Meditation+Q&A
Sunday April 26
- 7 – 11 am Check-out of Rooms – (Please check out by 9:30am before the morning program begins)
- 8 – 9 am Breakfast
- 9:30 am – 12 pm Morning Program: Meisou Meditation + Sharing Circle + Group Picture before leaving the Yoga Studio
- 12:30 – 1:30 pm Lunch & Departure
*Please note that this schedule is subject to change at any time.
About the Leader

Seiji Yamamoto
Born in 1977 in Osaka, Japan, he learned at an early age the importance of qi and its invisible world through meeting a renowned Chinese martial arts teacher. During his teen years, he learned about the mind and body and their reciprocal relationship from his teacher, Toshihiko Chibana. Later on he encountered the books by […]
Learn more about Seiji YamamotoCategories : Menla Retreat (all retreats), Menla THUS