Chozen-ji

Intro to Zen Program

Short term monastic stays at Chozen-ji emphasize zazen meditation, physical labor, martial/fine arts and immersion in a 24/7 training community.

Intro to Zen at Chozen-ji

 

A short term live-in stay is an opportunity to experience Chozen-ji’s unique, physical approach to Zen. It is also a chance for new students to familiarize themselves with our vigorous method of training, and our community.

Through a daily schedule of zazen (seated meditation), okyo (chanting), Kendo (Japanese fencing), and boxing, live-in students can expect to feel exhausted—but also sharper, more clear, and inspired to reset patterns in their lives.

Those interested in doing residential training at Chozen-ji long term (e.g., 3 months, 1 year, or 3 years) must start with a short term stay like the Intro to Zen program offered in the Fall of 2024.

No short term live-in programs are scheduled at this time. However, interested individuals are welcome to complete the email signup form below to be notified of future programs.

 

Sample Daily Schedule

Watch our video showing how Western-style boxing matches the spirit and tradition of martial arts and Zen training at Chozen-ji.

5:00AM Wakeup
5:30AM Zazen
6:15AM Okyo (Chanting)
7:00AM Breakfast & Cleanup
8:00AM Training—Boxing
9:30AM Outside Work
12:00PM Lunch & Cleanup
12:30PM Outside Work
3:30PM Guest Speaker
5:00PM Dinner
6:00PM Zazen
6:45PM Zazen
7:30PM Training—Kendo, Boxing, or Okyo
9:00PM Cleanup / Talk Story
10:30PM Bedtime

 

Email Signup

 

Frequently Asked Questions

  • No programs are scheduled at this time. Please sign up using the form on this page to be notified when one is. You will receive information about the program and how to apply at that time.

  • Live-in training is for every ability level, and we are able to scale up and scale down the physical training to fit individual abilities. However, the hallmark of Chozen-ji training is that it is direct and vigorous.

  • If you have an active relationship with another Zen teacher, please obtain their approval to apply for the Intro to Zen before submitting the online application. To maintain good relationships with the Zen community, we will also ask to speak to your teacher.

    Additionally, we find that Chozen-ji training—including the Intro to Zen program— is not a good fit for individuals who prefer to train in more than one different school of Buddhism or multiple spiritual disciplines concurrently.

  • We’ve been collaborating for over 10 years with a world champion boxer and have found that boxing is a good complement to the existing martial arts training at Chozen-ji. It particularly helps people address anger, ego, and other habits in the context of Zen training. For individuals interested in more intensive boxing training, the Intro to Zen program is a good way to understand our approach and pursue participation in our more intensive Zen and Boxing training.

  • Successful live-in training students get the most out of their experiences (and demonstrate potential for long term live-in training, if that’s something they're pursuing) by displaying strong commitments to:

    - Taking initiative in the training, as well as in executing work and tasks that support the group and the successful operation of the program

    - Bringing a positive attitude and energy, even or especially when they are uncomfortable

    - Taking negative feedback and constructive criticism as valuable opportunities to become aware of harmful or limiting behaviors they can't see themselves

    - Taking care of others before themselves—this includes valuing others' time, playing the role that's needed in the moment (not the one they necessarily want to play), and pushing themselves to get the most out of your short time at Chozen-ji