Building New Housing at Chozen-ji
MAHALO FOR HELPING us meet our $1.8 million fundraising goal
After experiencing significant and sustained growth at Chozen-ji, we were consistently running out of space for people to stay and train on site. That’s why we raised the funds to construct new accommodations for the next generation of live-ins staying for several weeks up to several years. The new housing will also facilitate the expansion of short-term, introductory programs and provide long-term housing for teachers and Dojo members.
The Chozen-ji Method: A time-tested lineage of spiritual discipline
Throughout Hawaiʻi and beyond, Chozen-ji’s name is synonymous with strength and selfless leadership. Many of Hawaii’s most admired public and private sector leaders credit Chozen-ji training for forging their characters and laying the groundwork for their future leadership. Addressing the physical body, the mind, and emotions, Chozen-ji’s approach to Zen transforms people by pushing them beyond their self-imposed limitations. We combine a martial arts dojo and a traditional Japanese monastery—and serious Zen training is always offered without fees.
Today, we stand ready to respond to a new generation’s need for training that rises to the level of the unprecedented challenges we now face, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and climate crisis.
Sustained Growth by every metric
More live-ins (from 5-6 to 60 applicants per year)
More local students training seriously
More serious Zen students under 30 years old
New generation of instructors, priests, & board members
Sesshin regularly maxing out at 20+ people
More outreach programs introducing people to Zen
Key Efficiencies & Obstacles Overcome
Decades ago, Chozen-ji founder Tanouye Tenshin Roshi purchased the lot across the street from Chozen-ji knowing that it could one day be a valuable resource to help expand Chozen-ji’s training. As we already own the land, we only need to raise the funds to cover construction. Additionally, we already own the adjacent parcel at 3580 Kalihi Street. Combining the two properties creates multiples efficiencies to reduce costs and maximize green space.
“When I came to Chozen-Ji, I was approaching 70 years of age, a new stage in life, from a period of acquiring and achieving to a time for contemplation and aging. Chozen-ji remains a place and time for my self-discovery and learning, to which I am grateful to be able to contribute—especially as more and more new people seek it out.” — Vernon Char, Char Sakamoto Ishii Lum & Ching
“My training at Chozen-ji gave me the confidence to walk away from pursuing a traditional professional career path to devoting my life to public service. The Zen & Politics program inspired me to run for elected office and challenge myself to work for the benefit of society.” — Jackson Sayama, Hawaiʻi State House of Representatives (D20)
Special thanks to our Major donors:
Omidyar ‘Ohana Fund at the Hawai‘i Community Foundation
Colbert Matsumoto
Cristina Moon & Michael Kangen
Richard Lim
Vernon Char
Clyde Kaneshiro
Neal & Susan Kunimura
Cathy Kawano-Ching & Walter Kawano
Atherton Family Foundation
Central Pacific Bank Foundation
Far Flung Sangha
Reyna & Bill Kaneko
Rosie Abriam
Clayton Wong
Dwight Yoshimura
Dean Nakamura
Sonya & Ray Miyashiro
Yumiko & Mike Sayama
April & Li Nishimura
Mike Tokunaga
Kylee & Kekaulike Mar
Sanford Murata
Chosei Zen
Brenda Wong
Alan Riezman
Jilson Fleener
Seth Colby
Bob Chinn
Carl He & Biwen Li
Winford & Gail Ideue
Our Donors
Anita Taylor & Scott Kiel
Roxane Fujiwara
Burt Lum
Noland Chambliss
Kenneth Kushner
Gary Yee
Owen Nishioka
Hiroko Dewitz
Ann Kobayashi
Warren Sato
Gilbert Chun
Robert Nouchi
Jessica Pulliam
Jesse Halverson
Robert Gardner
Jocelyn Fujii
Cathy Wood
Bin Chen
Gordon Lum
Eric Siwy
Dick Teshima
Janice Shon
Helen Nakano
Vily Sarbinska
JoAnn Mattson
Marvin Mitani
Marcel Chan
Jean Sun Shaw
Carolyn Riederer Annerud
Keita Fukumoto
& Others