Where to Start
These on-line sessions are a great place to begin studying Zen the Kanzeon Big Mind way.
Sunday Talks with Genpo Roshi Genpo Roshi’s and his successor teachers Sunday talks have long been a highlight of Kanzeon/Big Mind life, introducing 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 7:00 am Hawaii Time (HST) Public Welcome! $25 per class Free for all Kanzeon Big Mind Members | Living Zen
Living Zen Classes are led by Genpo Roshi's Successor Teachers, Mark Kanchi Roshi, Mary Ellen Seien Roshi, Alexandra Mushin Sensei and Jeremy Daiki 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 7:00 AM to 8:00 AM Hawaii Time (HST) Public Welcome! $25 per class Free for all Kanzeon Big Mind Members | 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! |
Genpo Roshi on Zoom
Three Days to Kensho
with Genpo Roshi
Friday September 27 - Sunday September 29
Kensho, seeing one's True Nature, is the essence and the heart of Zen practice. Few of us are fortunate enough to encounter this treasure of Zen directly and intimately.
In three days participants will be guided on this journey, as described in Dogen Zenji's famous teaching, "The Mountains and Rivers Sutra".
Day 1: First, A mountain is a mountain, a river is a river.
Day 2: Then, There is no mountain and no river.
Day 3: Then, again a mountain is just a mountain and a river is just a river.
First, coming from our everyday mind as it seeks the Way.
Then, transcending the dualistic, we are one with all things.
Finally, returning to ordinary mind, forever transformed.
Details and Registration HereMeet Zen Master Genpo Roshi What would you ask a Zen Master? Now's your chance! 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 everywhere. He developed the Big Mind process as a way to help westerners experience Zen for themselves. |
Zazen Meditation Groups Online
Zazen with Mary Ellen Jisho Roshi Monday & Thursday 7:30 to 8:20 AM (MST) 4:30 to 5:20 AM Hawaii time (HST) Zazen with Alexandra Mushin Sensei Tuesday through Friday 6:30 to 7:20 AM (CET) 7:30 to 8:20 PM Hawaii time (HST) This offering is for Kanzeon Members only. Members will receive zoom links automatically. | 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.
| Introduction to Zen
with Genpo Roshi New to Zen? Start Here! Four consecutive Saturday classes. Upcoming this Fall. Public Welcome! $200 per person for 4 classes Free for all Kanzeon Big Mind Members |
Genpo Now - The Blog
Meditation Instructions
How I Teach Sitting Meditation Now by Genpo Roshi Click picture to listen | 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. | Kanzeon Big Mind Media ArchiveDid you know that you can have access to over 3,750 Zen Talks and Big Mind Sessions contained in our Media Archive? Starting the 1970's and continuing up to brand new content every week? Hear and see talks by Taizan Maezumi Roshi, Genpo Roshi, Bernie Glassman Roshi and many other teachers in our lineage. Access to all of this for only $25/month! Check out the Media Archive Index Sign up for our NewsletterStay in touch and get all the news! |
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.