Diahonzan Chozen-Ji International Zen Dojo

Chozen-ji was founded in 1972 by Omori Sogen and Tenshin Tanouye, both 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 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 a simple method that emphasized the interruption of habits and attachments. The mission of Chozen-ji is to offer deep and transformative Zen training to anyone, regardless of sex, race, religion or creed, who desires to realize their True Self. Chozen-ji students train in zazen (seated meditation) and a variety of martial and fine arts. Serious Zen students also participate in sesshin, a 1-week intensive, residential training conducted twice a year. Short term programs, such as Art of War study, a 3-month intensive in Mu-I Tai Chi are also offered, as are specialized programs such as Zen and Politics.