Daiyuzenji Rinzai Zen Temple

06/01/2026

A few opportunities to practice with us this June:

• Thursday, June 4 – Shakuhachi Group Practice (6 PM), followed by zazen at 7 PM
• Saturday, June 6 – Introduction to Hojo at Korinji Monastery 光林寺, led by Tesshin Hozan Roshi. Hojo is a unique form of Zen training handed down through Omori Sogen Roshi that develops posture, breathing, vitality, and concentration in movement.
• Saturday, June 6 – Outdoor Breathing, Posture, and Awareness at Osaka Garden begins for the season
• June 12–14 – Sesshin, a weekend of intensive Zen practice

Visit our website for schedules, registration details, and additional information.

https://daiyuzenji.org/special-events

05/19/2026

We’re honored to participate in Chicago’s annual Toro Nagashi Lantern Ceremony in Jackson Park.

Join us for an evening of remembrance, reflection, and community inspired by the Japanese Obon tradition. Lanterns are floated across the water in honor of loved ones who have passed.

Guests are invited to decorate lanterns beginning at 7 PM before the evening ceremony.

📅 Thursday, August 6
📍 Jackson Park
🎟️ Registration required

More information and registration: https://bit.ly/4umg8hm

05/11/2026

This Saturday: Zazenkai
12 PM – 7 PM at Daiyuzenji

Spend the day in uninterrupted meditation practice through zazen, walking meditation, mindful work practice, meals, and meetings with the teacher.

Suitable for both beginners and experienced practitioners. Registration recommended. Click Here: https://bit.ly/3R3pkIH

04/13/2026

Mobility & Flexibility Workshop (UHP Method)
Led by Jitsuzan Gentetsu (Felix Carabello) Sensei.

This Saturday, join us for a practical session focused on mobility, flexibility, and reducing tension in the body. Open to all levels.

📅 April 18 | 1–4 PM
Click here to RSVP: https://bit.ly/4ciZ97H

Mobility & Flexibility Workshop in Chicago. Learn practical techniques to improve movement, increase flexibility, and reduce everyday aches. April 18.

04/05/2026

Ikebana is back 🌿

Join us next week at Gethsemane Garden Center for ikebana practice with Sensei Enmei Hunter.

These sessions are open to anyone. No experience is needed. Materials are provided.�
Morning (10:30–12) + Afternoon (1–2:30)
Click here for more info: https://bit.ly/4uHZ3in

See you there!

03/21/2026

Join us this Spring for Ikebana at Gethsemane Garden Center 🌿 for a series of ikebana workshops led by Sensei Enmei Hunter, a student of Nakashima Sensei.

Ikebana—also known as kadō, or “the way of flowers”—is the traditional Japanese art of flower arranging. This practice centers on balance, simplicity, and a deep respect for nature, with a focus on line and form.

No experience needed, and all materials are provided.
Sunday, April 12, Morning and afternoon sessions available (limited capacity): Click here for more info: https://bit.ly/4uHZ3in

Image: Flower Arrangement of Suisen (Narcissus) in a Flat Green Dish by Utagawa Toyohiro (Edo period, 1615–1868) via The Met Museum

03/05/2026

Shakuhachi Group Class at Daiyuzenji

Join us for our ongoing Shakuhachi Group Class, held on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of each month from 6–6:45 PM.

The shakuhachi is a traditional Japanese bamboo flute historically used in Zen practice as a form of “blowing meditation” — a path of breath, focus, and presence. Playing cultivates deep breathing, attentive listening, and a calm, grounded mind.

Flutes are available to borrow, or bring your own if you have one.

Sign up here: https://bit.ly/4cphe5O

Image: Japanese musician, seated, playing a shakuhachi flute. Dayton C. Miller Collection, Music Division, Library of Congress

Shakuhachi Group Class Join our ongoing Shakuhachi Group Class at Daiyuzenji, guided by Trevor West. The shakuhachi is a traditional Japanese bamboo flute historically used in Zen practice as a form of “blowing meditation,” cultivating breath, attention, and presence. Playing develops deep, rela...

03/05/2026

Breathwork Seminar with Tesshin Roshi | March 14

In this workshop, Tesshin Roshi will teach several deep breathing patterns practiced at Daiyuzenji and how they can be applied to support meditation, reduce stress, and improve overall physical functioning.

Understanding the mechanics of breath is essential for both meditation practice and everyday well-being. Join us!

Saturday, March 14 | 12–3 PM

Click here to RSVP: https://bit.ly/46xM9Jz

BREATHWORK SEMINAR Proper use of posture and breath, as well as understanding the key components of the breathing mechanism, are the foundation of a good meditation practice and optimal functioning in all other daily activities. In this workshop, you will learn a number of various deep breathing

02/28/2026

Happy to share —

Power Yoga with Tesshin Roshi begins Tuesday, March 3.

Join us from 6–6:45 PM for a focused practice emphasizing strength, stability, breath, and alignment — designed to directly support seated meditation. Zazen follows at 7 PM.

This is an ongoing weekly class. New participants are welcome at any time (please arrive promptly at 6 PM).

Click here to RSVP: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfHCw0YxWqmrqqjeeV0abWlthVpyTeF6RBqI53Ki_nPXoVllA/viewform

02/28/2026

Breathwork Seminar led by Tesshin Hozan Roshi

Proper posture and breath are the foundation of meditation and optimal daily functioning.

In this 5-hour seminar, you’ll learn structured deep breathing patterns practiced at Daiyuzenji and how to use them to:

• Reduce stress
• Improve circulation and oxygen balance
• Increase physical energy
• Support calm and mental clarity

These methods support both meditation practice and overall well-being.

Saturday, March 14 | 12–5 PM
RSVP here: https://bit.ly/46xM9Jz

BREATHWORK SEMINAR Proper use of posture and breath, as well as understanding the key components of the breathing mechanism, are the foundation of a good meditation practice and optimal functioning in all other daily activities. In this workshop, you will learn a number of various deep breathing