Chozen-ji: Zen Temple Beyond Zen
Unlike any other Zen temple
Since its establishment in 1972, people have come to Chozen-ji to discover their True Selves and to make a greater impact on Hawaiʻi and the world. Our approach to Zen training is based in the body—emphasizing breath and posture—and creates leaders with a bold fighting spirit and strong ki'ai. This far reaching impact on the world is in keeping with our designation as the only Daihonzan, or central temple, outside of Japan.
A vibrant community training in the Way
Chozen-ji plays several roles in the local community—a monastery for those doing shugyo, a community temple where lay people train daily in various forms of Rinzai Zen, and a place where members of Hawaii’s diverse local population gather and put their Zen training to work. There is also a vibrant community of students training in the Chozen-ji tradition outside of Hawaiʻi and around the world.
To learn more about how to join Chozen-ji and participate in Zen training, please visit our Training page.
Chozen-ji History
Chozen-ji was founded by Omori Sogen and Tenshin Tanouye, both renowned Zen masters, swordsmen and calligraphers. Omori Sogen is a direct Dharma Successor in the Tenryu-ji Line of Rinzai Zen and a successor of Yamaoka Tesshu's Taishi School of Calligraphy and of the Jikishinkage School of Fencing.
Tanouye Roshi was a kamaʻaina – born of the land of Hawaiʻi – and a public school teacher with a specialty in music who turned his school room into a martial arts dojo every afternoon. He was also a determined student of the martial arts and earned the 6th or 7th degree in seven different arts including Judo, Kendo, Karate, Iaido and Jojitsu.
With this background, Tanouye Roshi developed an approach to Zen that uses the breath and physical training to cultivate Ki’ai—the intangible yet ever-present spirit/vibration of every object, person or interaction. Using the martial and fine arts, he developed an accessible method that emphasized the interruption of habits and attachments. In doing so, he gave practical form to Omori Roshi’s proclamation in the Chozen-ji Canon:
“Zen without the accompanying physical experience is nothing but empty discussion. Martial ways without realizing the "Mind" is nothing but beastly behavior.”
A Manawa , A Spiritual Mountain in Hawai'i
Chozen-ji is located deep in Honolulu’s Kalihi Valley. The cultural and spiritual practices of Hawaiʻi provide the backdrop for our unique approach to Zen training.
On her first visit, Hawaiian spiritual teacher and activist Pilahi Paki recognized Chozen-ji as a Manawa, one of four spiritual energy “mountains” of Hawai‘i thought to be lost in modernity. True to its name (meaning “Temple of Zen transcending Zen”), Chozen-ji seeks to go beyond the artificial separations between us. Nana Veary, another renowned Hawaiian spiritual teacher pictured left with Tanouye Roshi, said she felt like she came home when she found Chozen-ji and that Tanouye Roshi was a Zen Master who taught and embodied the spirit of Aloha.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Community & Lineage
What kind of temple is Chozen-ji?
Chozen-ji is a Rinzai Zen Buddhist temple and martial arts Dojo that primarily serves the local community of Hawaiʻi. Many of the members here grew up Buddhist and came to Chozen-ji looking for a way to deepen their spirituality. Some have been coming here since they were children, others for multiple generations. We are committed to maintaining Chozen-ji as a place that is deeply rooted in Hawaiian sensibilities and the local community. Anyone coming from outside should approach training here with humility and as a guest in the islands.
I have heard about Chozen-ji from someone who said they trained there or are part of your lineage. Are you connected?
Chozen-ji is a daihonzan (central headquarters temple) in the Rinzai Zen lineage, which has trained thousands of people, and spawned multiple betsuin (sub-temples) and branch Dojos over the decades. Chozen-ji's method remains rigorous and rooted in the martial arts, fine arts, sesshin, and Hojo (traditional swordform valued as the most important martial art by our founders). Anyone authentically training in the Chozen-ji lineage would continue to use these elements. If you have questions about whether we are connected to a particular group we are happy to answer any questions.
Who are the teachers at Chozen-ji?
All of the Zen masters at Chozen-ji are in the direct lineage of Omori Sogen Rotaishi and Tenshin Tanouye Rotaishi. We have other priests and teachers who are masters of specific martial and fine arts who are also trained in Zen.
Getting Started
How do I start Zen training at Chozen-ji?
All students at Chozen-ji must first learn to sit zazen (seated meditation) for 45 minutes without moving. To do this, you'll start out with the Beginning Zazen class. Please follow the instructions on our Training page under "How to Join Weekly Classes" and then fill out a New Student Request Form. Please wait for confirmation before coming to Chozen-ji.
I've never meditated before. Can I come to Chozen-ji?
Yes, we welcome people who have never tried Zen training or meditation before.
Does Chozen-ji offer online classes?
We are not offering online classes or virtual Zen training/teaching at this time. We adhere to a traditional apprenticeship model of training. This means we prioritize depth over breadth and that training works best when it is done in person.
Do I have to sit zazen for 45 minutes before taking a class?
Yes, all students training at Chozen-ji are required to sit 45 minutes before taking a class in any of our martial or fine arts. Depending on your physical condition, you may sit on a cushion on the floor or on a chair.
Do you offer retreats at Chozen-ji?
We do not offer the kinds of public programs that people usually think of as retreats at this time. If you're interested in training at Chozen-ji and live on Oahu, please see the above information about starting Zen training via our beginners' class. If you do not reside on Oahu, please see the section below on live-in training.
I already have extensive training in martial arts, Zen, and/or other spiritual disciplines. Can I come train at Chozen-ji?
While we trust that there are many Ways, we often find it detrimental to mix approaches. We have a lineage and method that is best taken on singularly and with an openness to pursuing only this Way for a significant stretch of time. If you're ready to approach Chozen-ji's unique training method with sincerity and as a beginner, then we're happy to see if this is the right fit. Please see the section above about the beginners' class and follow the instructions there to submit your request to join.
Visitors & Tours
I’m only going to be on Oahu for a short time. Can I come meditate with you or take classes?
We do not have any classes for visitors who will be in Hawaiʻi for a short time (3 months or less). You are welcome to look into some of our future programs.
How do I arrange for a tour of Chozen-ji?
Chozen-ji does not offer tours for outside visitors at the moment
Living In
Can I come "live in" at Chozen-ji?
Yes, "live-in" periods (residencies or monastic stays) at Chozen-ji can be arranged for the right students. You can read about past live-ins' experiences and apply on our Live-In Training page.
How do you decide who can come live in at Chozen-ji?
The training method at Chozen-ji is more like a traditional apprenticeship, not one-size-fits-all or like traditional academic education. When someone comes to live in, we are essentially taking responsibility for them 24 hours a day. If you are considering applying to live in at Chozen-ji, you should expect to embark on a long term relationship. This begins with several conversations, in-person or virtual, often over several weeks or multiple months.
After coming to live in what would our relationship look like?
Zen training is a lifelong endeavor and we expect to maintain relationships with students for years, whether you are local to Hawaiʻi or need to travel here to train.
Sesshin
Can I register for an upcoming sesshin at Chozen-ji?
Sesshin is our week-long, intensive meditation training held twice a year (summer and winter) at Chozen-ji. Prior to participating in sesshin, you will need to begin training seriously at Chozen-ji. We do not allow new students to “drop in” for sesshin. Please email training@chozen-ji.org to inquire about participating in and preparing for sesshin.
What steps would I need to take to be able to join the sesshin?
We expect to already have a training relationship with any students attending sesshin. We do not allow for drop-in attendance from new students.
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What is a sesshin at Chozen-ji like?
It is the best time to train to truly transcend any self imposed limits and let go of your physical and psychological habits. The typical daily schedule is up at 4:00am and lights out at midnight. This includes 10 or more hours of zazen, no down-time, martial arts, and outside work. Traditionally we train through the entire night on the last evening of sesshin.
We do make adjustments based on people’s age and any medical conditions. But we are deeply committed to continue upholding a form that is rigorous, exhausting, and deeply transformative.
Is partial participation allowed?
Chozen-ji sesshins do not allow for partial participation. Sesshin is a refined technology and the daily and weekly sequence are critical for both the individual participants and the group.
Supporting Chozen-ji
I see the classes are free of charge but how do I make a donation?
Serious Zen training has always been offered for free at Chozen-ji. If you are able to make a donation to support the temple you can make a donation online or you can drop something in the box in the Dojo. Every dollar will go towards offering training.
Can I volunteer at Chozen-ji?
Yes, we have Dojo Work Days every two months at which volunteers are welcome, and can accommodate regular volunteers at other times, as well. Please email info@chozen-ji.org about volunteering opportunities at Chozen-ji.
