If you could ask a Zen Master the question that arises from the deepest place within you, what would it be?

This is your chance.


Meet Zen Master Genpo Roshi

What would you ask a Zen Master?

What would you ask if you only had a year, a month, or a day left in life?

What are your fears? What are your doubts?

For over 2500 years Zen practices and teachings have been treasured as a means for awakening to the essential nature of life, of reality, and a key to living a full, meaningful life. Working with a Zen Master can help untie the knots inside us and clear the way for living in harmony with others, with the world around us, with our very life as we experience it, day by day, moment by moment.

Ask him your question in one of our Classes or Retreats or contact us to make arrangements for one on one time.



Genpo Roshi is the founder and spiritual leader of Kanzeon Big Mind Sangha. He became a monk in 1973 and is the second successor of Taizan Maezumi Roshi, founder of the Los Angeles Zen Center. For 50 years he has dedicated his life to bringing authentic Zen Teachings to people in Europe and North America. He developed the Big Mind process as a way to help westerners experience the insights of Zen for themselves and to discover their own true nature.

Stay Strong and Calm

in the face of constant change

Transform Your Life  with Online Classes

Kanzeon Big Mind Events are open to everyone!

Kanzeon Big Mind Sangha has members and participants from North America, South America, Europe and Australia. Our live Zoom classes are timed for convenience in many time zones. While our classes are conducted in English, we offer live interpreters for several other languages. 


The Great Masters

A series of three 2-Day Retreats with Zen Master Genpo Roshi

Learn More

Lao Tzu & the Tao Te Ching

Lao Tzu“Read  —or even better,  listen— to Lao Tsu.  His teaching matches my teaching more than anybody else’s.” 

                  — Genpo Roshi


Saturday & Sunday,  April 6 - 7

9:00 AM to 11:30 AM Hawaii Time (HST)

$200 per person or sign up for all three for $500

Upon Registration participants will receive a PDF copy of the Tao Te Ching. This is required reading for this retreat.

Details and Registration here

The 6th Patriarch - Huineng

Huineng

Hui-Neng, the Sixth Patriarch in China is one of the central figures in the Zen tradition. This record of his teaching crystalizes the essence of the “Sudden Enlightenment” school, and is also a wonderful story of a legendary life.

Saturday & Sunday,  April 13 - 14
9:00 AM to 11:30 AM Hawaii Time (HST)

$200 per person or sign up for all three for $500

Upon Registration participants will receive a PDF copy of The Sixth Patriarch's Sutra. This is required reading for this retreat.

Details and Registration here

Bankei's "The Unborn"

BankeiOne of the great rebels in Zen history, Bankei was revered by thousands of people of all classes and conditions in seventeenth century Japan.  His naturalness and directness in demystifying Zen is still as fresh and relevant today.

Saturday & Sunday,  April 20 - 21
9:00 AM to 11:30 AM Hawaii Time (HST)

$200 per person or sign up for all three for $500

Upon Registration participants will receive a PDF copy of the The Unborn: The Life and Teachings of Zen Master BankeiThis is required reading for this retreat.

Details and Registration here

Sunday Zen Talks with Genpo Roshi

Genpo Roshi’s Sunday talks have long been a highlight of Kanzeon/Big Mind life, a great introduction to Roshi, Zen and Big Mind for beginners, and a vital source of inspiration and community for long-time students and members.

Sunday Talks on Zoom take place about twice a month, at 12:00 PM US Mountain Time. You'll have a chance to raise your hand and ask Roshi your questions about Zen.

Public Welcome!

$10 per class

Free for all Kanzeon Big Mind Members


Details and Sign Up Here

Living Zen

Living Zen Classes are led by Genpo Roshi's Successor Teachers, Mark Kanchi Roshi, Mary Ellen Jisho Roshi and Alexandra Mushin Sensei in rotation. These informal classes are designed for Zen students to ask questions and receive advice about their personal practice. These three teachers have a wide range of experience and can be trusted guides on your Zen journey.


Tuesdays and Thursdays

11:00 AM to 12:00 PM MST

Public Welcome!

$10 per class

Free for all Kanzeon Big Mind Members


Details and Sign Up Here

Big Heart Retreats in Hawaii


Big Heart Events are special In-Person Weeklong intensive retreats that are limited to a minimum of 3, and a maximum of 7, participants who wish to go very deep into their personal practice with the guidance of Zen Master Genpo Roshi. 

These are scheduled and booked well in advance and take place at a beautiful residence on Manini Beach on the Big Island of Hawaii. Plan ahead.


Details and Sign Up Here

Genpo Roshi 80th Birthday Celebration in Hawaii

Bring the family for a vacation on the beautiful Big Island of Hawaii, and spend 3 days at this special retreat while you are there. 

Location: Captain Cook, Big Island of Hawaii

Retreat Schedule: 

Friday May 31: Arrive and orientation dinner

Saturday June 1: Big Mind Sessions from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM

Sunday June 2: Big Mind Sessions from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM

Monday June 3: Big Mind Sessions from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM (Birthday Celebration to follow)

Tuesday June 4: Depart

Details Here

The Kensho Retreats


The Kensho Retreats

Five Days of Awakening

with Genpo Roshi


A rare opportunity to work with Genpo Roshi in a small group online to explore this most fundamental experience of Zen, the experience of Awakening.



Five Days. Limited to 5 people. Reserve your spot now.


Details and Sign Up Here

Big Heart Week-Long Retreat in Waldport Oregon

Spend a week of intensive Big Mind Zen sessions with Genpo Roshi in beautiful Waldport Oregon.

Sunday July 7- Saturday July 13th

Limited to 10 People



Details Here


Introduction to Zen Courses

Genpo Roshi

with Genpo Roshi

New to Zen? This is a great place to start! 

Four consecutive Saturday classes.


9:00 AM to 11:30 AM Hawaii Time (HST)


Public Welcome!

$200 per person for 4 classes

Free for all Kanzeon Big Mind Members


Zazen Meditation Groups Online

Zazen with Mary Ellen Jisho Roshi

Starting January 15

Monday through Thursday

7:30 to 8:20 AM (MST)

4:30 to 5:20 AM Hawaii time (HST)


Zazen with Alexandra Mushin Sensei

Starting January 16

Tuesday through Friday

6:30 to 7:20 AM (CET)

7:30 to 8:20 PM Hawaii time (HST)



This new offering is for Kanzeon Members only. Members will receive the zoom link automatically.

Become a Member

The Gift of No Fear Retreats

                                               

The Gift of No Fear Retreats

with Genpo Roshi 

Our 2024 Series of 2-Day Weekend Retreats are designed to address the role of Fear in our lives and how it holds us back from achieving the things we want for ourselves, our families, friends and community.

Public Welcome!


Free for Kanzeon Big Mind Members


Details and Sign Up Here

Resources to help on your Zen journey

It's been said that for beginners Zen can seem like a vast and shrouded wilderness. It's really just about our own lives.

You don't have to go it alone, we're here to help. Our teachers are very accessible and are happy to answer any and all questions.


Throw Yourself into the House of Buddha

Download this free PDF version of a highly recommended book of Zen teaching by Tangen Harada Roshi

Click here to download

Meditation Instructions

How I Teach Sitting Meditation Now

by Genpo Roshi

Click picture to listen

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Student Experiences

Hear from people who have attended our events


“I was three times in Ameland, and the Big Mind sessions framed in a sesshin were a life changer for me. If you play the game (honestly) it is a thrilling experience. Even by teleconference, where the direct contact energy is missing, I still had a number of insights about myself, about my Zen practice. I am really grateful for this opportunity to work again with Genpo Roshi. I live in Europe and it is quite difficult for me to come to US for his live sesshins.” — A.P.

 “If you want to be involved in this amazing method that Roshi developed without creating a huge carbon imprint on the world, this is your opportunity! It is a wonderful way to work with Roshi and connect with the Sangha at the same time!” — J.W.

“For me, the ability to suddenly be moved by someone’s struggle, then to watch them make breakthroughs, reach reversals in understanding, in a matter of minutes, inspires and informs my own practice immensely. Who says a Zoom session can’t be life-changing?” — T.G.


“It was a transformational experience, both in the teaching sessions with Roshi and in the practice triads. There was a very good balance between practice, teachings, and being able to receive Roshi’s priceless feedback and facilitation. The interaction with diverse people from different countries and cultures enriched the overall experience; the voices worked were very interesting and profound, and gave me key insights about relevant life issues.” — A.G.

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.

Become a Member 

                                                            

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