Egely Kloster

Tucked away on the serene island of Bornholm, Egely Kloster whispers tales of a unique spiritual journey. Egely Kloster, also known as Taikyo-ji, stands as a testament to the vision of one man, Denko John Mortensen. In 2007, he established this sanctuary as the only Rinzai Zen Buddhist monastery in Scandinavia with a resident Zen teacher. The monastery found its home within the walls of an old farm. Imagine the quiet hum of meditation echoing through the centuries-old beams. Denko’s path began in the late 1960s, a time of great change and spiritual seeking. Drawn to Buddhism, he embarked on a pilgrimage to Ryutaku-ji in Japan. There, he encountered Soen Nakagawa, a pivotal figure in his spiritual development. Later, he continued his training under Eido Shimano, Soen Roshi’s successor. Years of dedicated practice culminated in Denko’s ordination as a Rinzai Zen Buddhist monk at Dai Bosatsu Zendo in 1980. After 22 years of rigorous training, Denko received Dharma Transmission from Eido in 2002. This marked a significant milestone, recognizing him as a Zen master and lineage holder in Rinzai Zen Buddhism. He carried this wisdom back to Bornholm, establishing Egely Kloster as a beacon of peace and contemplation. Sadly, Egely Kloster closed its doors in 2015. But the Buddhist community it fostered continues to thrive, a testament to Denko’s enduring legacy.