Amsterdam, 2025
The Kanzeon Big Mind Sangha Our mission is to fuse the ancient Eastern wisdom of Zen with a modern understanding of Western psychology, igniting personal transformation while assisting the awakening of the world consciousness to the oneness of life. Genpo Roshi - The Abbot |
Introduction to Big Mind ZenIntroduction to Big Mind Zen with Genpo Roshi Saturday, November 8 12:00 PM - 2:30 PM Pacific Time (PST) Embark on a Transformative Journey into Zen and the Big Mind! Are you yearning for clarity, inner peace, and a deeper connection with yourself? Join us for an enlightening workshop led by Genpo Roshi, the visionary founder of innovative Big Mind process. | Sunday Public MeetingSunday Public Meeting with Genpo Roshi Sunday, November 9, 2025 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM Hawaii Time (HST)
Register Now
New and long-time students welcome. Some experience with the Big Mind process recommended, but not required. You are invited share your appreciation through making a donation based on your personal capacity. Please share this opportunity with your friends. |
Genpo Roshi's Upcoming Events
|
The Game of Life Seminar
The Game of Life Seminar with Genpo Roshi
"A magical experience—joyful, inspiring, and crystal clear. His presence was electrifying, blending wisdom, humor, and performance into an unforgettable experience that touched my heart and filled me with energy, love, and understanding.”
Nina N, Actress,
Salt Lake City, UT
December 5 - 7, 2025
(Begins the Evening of December 5 · Concludes the evening of December 7)
The Three PoisonsThe Hidden Gem in the Three Poisons We’re excited to announce that a new fall series of The Hidden Gem in the Three Poisons is on its way! This round will include a fresh introduction to the topic as well as a continuation of our previous exploration. Together, we’ll deepen our inquiry into the transformational potential hidden within greed, hatred, and ignorance—those energies that, when met with awareness, can become gateways to liberation. Stay tuned for the exact dates and registration details. This is a small-group series and tends to fill quickly. Western Zen Path & Rohatsu RetreatWestern Zen Path & Rohatsu Retreat December 1–5, 2025 Salt Lake City, Utah In-person & Online Join us for a powerful week of practice and teaching as we bring together the completion of the Western Zen Path program and our annual Rohatsu Retreat, commemorating the Buddha’s enlightenment. (November 30 · In-person participant orientation and check-in) |
KANZEON BIG MIND ZEN CLASSES
Sunday Public Meetings
Sunday Public Meetings are held weekly, welcoming both new and experienced Zen practitioners. Genpo Roshi leads these sessions each Sunday, except when he is traveling or leading a retreat or workshop. When Genpo Roshi is unavailable one of his successor teachers lead the class. These gatherings offer a unique opportunity to engage directly with Zen practice and teachings. Typically held in a question-and-answer format, they provide an open and supportive space for beginners to explore and deepen their understanding.
Living Zen
Living Zen Classes are led by Genpo Roshi's Successor Teachers, Mark Kanchi Roshi, Mary Ellen Seien Roshi, Lynn Shozen Roshi, Kenjin Roshi, Alexandra Mushin Sensei, Jeremy Daiki Sensei, and Charlotte Jigen Sensei in rotation. These informal classes are designed for Zen students to ask questions and receive advice about their personal practice in a warm and friendly atmosphere.
Tuesdays and Thursdays
Public Welcome!
$25 per class
Living Zen Classes are included in all Student Path Levels
Meditation Groups On-Line
Zazen with Mary Ellen Seien Roshi
Monday through Thursday
Zazen with Alexandra Mushin Sensei
Monday through Friday
Meditation Groups are open to all Student Path Levels and Patron Members
Kanzeon Big Mind Retreats
Kanzeon Big Mind Retreats are events where students and patron members can do intensive practice either on-line or in-person and occasionally both. Retreats may run from 2 to 7 days.
Watch for Topics like:
Introduction to Big Mind Zen
The Gift of No Fear
Kensho Retreats
The Great Masters
Big Heart Retreats
Gaining Control of Your Life
Rohatsu Sesshin &
Zazenkai - A Day of Sitting Meditation
Loss and Grief — and Zen
How Genpo Roshi Teaches Sitting Meditation Now
Click picture to listen |
"Following Roshi on his European tour was groundbreaking. He truly embodies the hazy moon, transcending light and dark, sanity and madness. I witnessed him teach with full force—whether seated, napping, or walking. The mornings spent in Zazen with him were most powerful, as he embodied a state of being both alive and dead. His sharing of a lifetime of practice, from breakthroughs to breakdowns, was profoundly touching. Roshi teaches with rawness and humanity that resonate deeply. The entire month was a strong pull to let go of everything I thought I knew about Zen, the world, and myself. How wonderful!" Birgitte G., Psychotherapist, Yoga Teacher Denmark | "The most powerful moment for me was when Roshi guided me to shift from anger to its opposite in just a split second—suddenly the anger was gone. This opened my eyes to the possibility of real change: to listen wholeheartedly, to step fully into another’s perspective, and to take responsibility. The retreat was heartwarming, spacious, and transformative—a true adventure that was both profound and fun.” Julia V., Attorney at Law The Netherlands | "An Incredibly powerful event and filled with energy—both mind-blowing and grounding in life. I realized emotions are not obstacles but places to explore, even anger or anxiety carry hidden wisdom. My takeaway: if stuck, be completely stuck. This retreat is unlike anything else—an adventure with your self, supported by the group and guided by Genpo Roshi. Mind-expanding, deeply grounding, and surprisingly simple.” Paul M., Business consultant The Netherlands |
"A magical experience—joyful, inspiring, and crystal clear. His presence was electrifying, blending wisdom, humor, and performance into an unforgettable experience that touched my heart and filled me with energy, love, and understanding.” Nina N. Actress Sweden | "A powerful experience of radical honesty and self-disclosure from both Roshi and the Sangha. It confirmed my own path of teaching with openness and vulnerability, helping me and others move deeper into self-acceptance. Something remarkable happens when you simply show up, question without judgment, and allow the process to unfold.” Paul J., Buddhist Practitioner and Scholar United States | "Genpo Roshi was unforgettable—on fire, intense, and profoundly moving. His energy drew me in completely, leaving me inspired and deeply connected." Dan L., Psychologist Sweden |
Kanzeon Big Mind Sangha
We are a non-profit organization, founded by Zen Master Genpo Roshi in 1984 after he spent 15 years training under Taizan Maezumi Roshi of the Los Angeles Zen Center and becoming his second successor Zen teacher. Since then, we have carried on our mission of teaching Zen principles and practices to Western audiences throughout North America and Europe. Our unique style and methods are geared to the needs of modern people dealing with the particular stresses and strains of current culture and society. We invite you to join us on a journey of self discovery and empowerment, supported by a community dedicated to the personal advancement of the fundamental Zen Buddhist principles of wisdom and compassion.