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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 |
Genpo Roshi's Upcoming Events
| Sunday Public MeetingSunday Public Meeting with Genpo Roshi Sunday, September 14, 2025 7:00 AM (Honolulu Time)
Register Now
You are invited share your appreciation through making a donation based on your personal capacity. Please share this opportunity with your friends. |
Big Heart Retreat
5-Day Big Heart Retreat with Genpo Roshi
Big Island of Hawaii
October 20 - 24, 2025
For general information about Big Heart Retreats please click here
The Three PoisonsThe Hidden Gem in the Three Poisons 2025 Fall Series New Dates Coming Soon 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. The series will begin in late September Stay tuned for the exact dates and registration details. This is a small-group series and tends to fill quickly. If you feel called to join us, let us know you’re interested by emailing Chet Cannon and we’ll make sure you’re among the first to receive an invitation when registration opens. Details Coming Soon |
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 |
“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.