Click on events for further information or to register.
Living Zen with Genpo Roshi's Successor Teachers
Living Zen are special Zoom classes with Genpo Roshi's Successor Teachers, Mark Kanchi Esterman Roshi, Mary Ellen Jisho Sloan Roshi, and Alexandra Mushin Gericke Sensei, and Charlotte Jigen Juul Sensei in rotation.
It's a time to ask your Zen practice questions and share your experiences with everyone in the group. Each of Genpo Roshi's Successor Teachers has a wealth of experience and will offer their unique perspectives to help guide you on your Zen path.
Open to the Public for a $25.00 suggested donation.
These classes are included in all Student Path subscriptions. Students will receive notifications and Zoom links automatically via email and do not have to register.
Genpo Roshi welcomes you to the Big Island of Hawaii for THE GAME OF LIFE SEMINAR Location Big Island of Hawaii, Captain Cook, on the slopes of Mauna Loa mountain volcano Seminar Schedule Opening Dinner Sunday, October 19 (time & location TBD) Seminar Days Monday – Friday, October 20 – 24 (Held at the home of Genpo Roshi and Jigen Sensei) Closing Breakfast Saturday, October 25 (optional, time & location TBD) This seminar will be a completely new experience for all participants. It is what Roshi is calling THE GAME OF LIFE. It is our real life played as a game, knowing our position at any given moment—not our person, but the roles and positions that we find ourselves playing unbeknownst to ourselves. This seminar is similar to what Roshi created and called the Zen Life Intensive. These Intensives were extremely popular back in the late '70s through the '90s. Thousands attended, both Zen and non-Zen people alike. Roshi is bringing back many of the various processes and games he used to do as skillful means, as well as the Big Mind/Big Heart process that he has mastered over the past 40 years of evolving and maturing. All attendees will walk away more equipped with skillful means to deal with their own lives and relationships in the world, both personally and impersonally. Those of us who are facing the normal daily challenges of these crazy and chaotic times will leave with skills and techniques to help manage our lives. People from both sides of the polarization that we are all facing today—families, friends, coworkers, neighbors, and relationships, as well as within our cities, states, countries, and politically—we are so polarized these days, externally and internally. Roshi will be offering a way beyond this polarization to embrace and transcend the opposite perspectives, opinions, and beliefs that separate us. We are providing ways and tools to take fear out of the driver’s seat and position it where it belongs—in the passenger seat as a navigator and copilot. We are not trying to get rid of fear; we’re putting it in its rightful position and having it as an ally rather than as an obstacle to a happy, joyful, and prosperous life — free from fear. The question is, who is driving this vehicle that we call our life? You will find out who the driver is—the one who is 100% responsible for cause and effect, for action and reaction, and is neither a victim, a perpetrator, nor a rescuer. The One who is able to own and embrace their lonely and frightened inner child, their parents, and who is the responsible adult in the room! This seminar will be joyful and fun, creating deep bonds and community as we work to know and understand oneself in this real game of life. Meals will not be provided, though the group may choose to plan to together, should participants wish to do so. Accommodations are the responsibility of each guest. A list of recommended lodging options can be provided by contacting chet@bigmind.org. Being physically close to one’s teacher deepens connection and allows for a transmission beyond words and letters. True intimacy arises when we let go of control and embrace the present moment. Travel Information Please send your arrival and departure flight details. Guests are responsible for arranging their own airport transportation. If participants have similar arrival or departure times, we will let you know so you may coordinate rides if you wish.
Genpo Roshi welcomes you to the
Big Island of Hawaii for
Big Island of Hawaii, Captain Cook, on the slopes of Mauna Loa mountain volcano
Seminar Schedule
Opening Dinner
Sunday, October 19 (time & location TBD)
Seminar Days
Monday – Friday, October 20 – 24
(Held at the home of Genpo Roshi and Jigen Sensei)
Closing Breakfast
Saturday, October 25 (optional, time & location TBD)
This seminar will be a completely new experience for all participants. It is what Roshi is calling THE GAME OF LIFE.
It is our real life played as a game, knowing our position at any given moment—not our person, but the roles and positions that we find ourselves playing unbeknownst to ourselves. This seminar is similar to what Roshi created and called the Zen Life Intensive. These Intensives were extremely popular back in the late '70s through the '90s. Thousands attended, both Zen and non-Zen people alike. Roshi is bringing back many of the various processes and games he used to do as skillful means, as well as the Big Mind/Big Heart process that he has mastered over the past 40 years of evolving and maturing.
All attendees will walk away more equipped with skillful means to deal with their own lives and relationships in the world, both personally and impersonally. Those of us who are facing the normal daily challenges of these crazy and chaotic times will leave with skills and techniques to help manage our lives. People from both sides of the polarization that we are all facing today—families, friends, coworkers, neighbors, and relationships, as well as within our cities, states, countries, and politically—we are so polarized these days, externally and internally.
Roshi will be offering a way beyond this polarization to embrace and transcend the opposite perspectives, opinions, and beliefs that separate us.
We are providing ways and tools to take fear out of the driver’s seat and position it where it belongs—in the passenger seat as a navigator and copilot. We are not trying to get rid of fear; we’re putting it in its rightful position and having it as an ally rather than as an obstacle to a happy, joyful, and prosperous life — free from fear. The question is, who is driving this vehicle that we call our life? You will find out who the driver is—the one who is 100% responsible for cause and effect, for action and reaction, and is neither a victim, a perpetrator, nor a rescuer. The One who is able to own and embrace their lonely and frightened inner child, their parents, and who is the responsible adult in the room!
This seminar will be joyful and fun, creating deep bonds and community as we work to know and understand oneself in this real game of life.
Meals will not be provided, though the group may choose to plan to together, should participants wish to do so.
Accommodations are the responsibility of each guest. A list of recommended lodging options can be provided by contacting chet@bigmind.org.
Being physically close to one’s teacher deepens connection and allows for a transmission beyond words and letters. True intimacy arises when we let go of control and embrace the present moment.
Please send your arrival and departure flight details. Guests are responsible for arranging their own airport transportation.
If participants have similar arrival or departure times, we will let you know so you may coordinate rides if you wish.
Your contribution to these seminars allows the teaching to be experienced by everyone regardless of their financial means. Big Heart events are our way of giving back to those who so generously sponsor our efforts. Your donation is essential to carrying on this work.
The Four Benevolent Ways of the Bodhisattva: Rohatsu Retreat
December 1 - 8, 2025
Virtual Retreat
This in-person retreat is the last of the three retreats for participants of the Western Zen Path.
This retreat is also open to the public.
More information coming soon!
Combined Western Zen Path & Rohatsu Retreat
December 1–5, 2025 | Salt Lake City, Utah
(November 30 · In-person participant orientation and check-in)
Join us for a powerful week of practice and teaching as we bring together the Western Zen Path completion program with our annual Rohatsu Retreat, commemorating the Buddha’s enlightenment.
Teaching & Leadership
Genpo Roshi will offer two and a half hours of daily teaching in person. Rohatsu will be led by Genpo Roshi, Mary Ellen Seien Roshi, Charlotte Jigen Sensei, along with Mark Kanchi Roshi.
Who May Attend
Dana (Donation)
Western Zen Path Students are invited to offer Dana according to your ability and the value you place on these teachings. Your generosity supports Roshi’s for his many years of service and guidance.
Why Rohatsu?
Traditionally observed December 1–8, Rohatsu commemorates the Buddha’s enlightenment. Sitting beneath the Bodhi Tree, he awakened upon seeing the morning star, realizing the Unborn Buddha Mind we all inherently possess. This retreat will honor that realization while focusing on Dogen Zenji’s teaching on “The Four Benevolent Ways of the Bodhisattva.”
Retreat Includes
Schedule & Logistics
We warmly invite you to sit with us in person or virtually for this special week of deep practice, community, and celebration of the Buddha’s awakening.
© Kanzeon, Inc. site notice & copyright | privacy policy | cookie policy | terms of service | contact | sitemap