Zazen (sitting meditation) is the basic practice of Zen as it provides the easiest conditions in which to experience a heightened state of awareness. Zazen cultivates sensitivity to subtle bodily sensations and connections, as well as to the flow of energy. To sit zazen well, one must harmonize the mind, body, and breathing. Only when the three are realized as one will it be possible to succeed in stabilizing and tranquilizing the body and mind at the same time. These three things are inseparable from each other.

The Zen training program followed at Zenshinkan Dojo is taken from the training taught at Daihonzan Chozen-ji temple. Chozen-ji is a Rinzai Zen temple in Hawaii, where the martial arts and cultural arts are integrated with traditional Zen training. Here, entering Zen through the body is emphasized. The student must refine breath, posture, and awareness to cultivate Samadhi, a state of complete concentration and relaxation. In Samadhi a person transcends dualism, lives fully moment by moment, and is most effective and creative. When one's body works according to natural principles, a person transcends himself as a subject working upon an object and demonstrates Zen in activity. (taken from Chozen-ji Introductory brochure)

Our training follows the principle of "Zen, Ken, Sho": Zen-zazen training for the mind, Ken-martial art training for the body, and Sho-cultural art training for the spirit. The same principles and practices are directly related to each and can be unified into our training on or off the mat, and taken into the day-to-day interactions of our lives.

The Zen training program at Zenshinkan Dojo can be experienced in three ways:

1. Introduction to Zen Training Program: A 6-week program that meets once per week for one hour. This program is designed to help the beginning student learn and experience the posture and breathing of Zazen (sitting meditation) as well as introduce them to Okyo (Zen chanting) and Shodo (Zen calligraphy).

2. Weekly Zazen: We dedicate three 30 minute sessions per week to maintaining our Zazen practice and deliberately schedule this practice just prior to our Aikido classes so that our students can experience the centered clarity that results from Zazen as they step onto the Aikido mat.

3. Weekend Intensives (Zazenkai): These three or four day weekend retreats are meant to apply the skills developed in the Introduction Program and Weekly Zazen practice into a more traditional and intensive environment. The purpose of Zazenkai is to deepen our experience of Samadhi, a free flowing state of consciousness, and enable our true nature to emerge from the release of physical tension and emotional strain that we may be holding in daily life.

Our Zen program is directed by Bob Caron Sensei under the guidance of Rev. Ginny (Jiko) Whitelaw. An ordained Zen priest from the Chozen-ji line and a 30 year practitioner of Rinzai Zen and Aikido, Rev. Whitelaw provides an authentic and deep understanding that has substantially shaped our Zen training at Zenshinkan Dojo. Weekend Intensives (Zazenkai) are led by Rev. Whitelaw twice per year and other opportunities to interact with her via public lectures and events are made available annually. See our Upcoming Events page for details

About the Instructors:

Tom Maney began his training in Zen and Aikido in 1995 under the direction of Zenshinkan Dojo founder, Edward Haupt Sensei. After Haupt Sensei's death in 1999, Tom became the direct student of Zen Master Hosokawa Dogen Roshi, Abbot of Daihonzan Chozen-ji. His emphasis is to show the synergy between mind and body training that is directly applicable to our daily lives. Tom has spent over 25 years training in both Raja yoga and Zen meditation. Years ago Tom dedicated many years to living directly with his teacher in a yoga ashram. Tom also currently holds the Aikido rank of Nidan with Aikikai Hombu Dojo.

Robert Caron Sensei began his training in Zen and Aikido in 1995 under the direction of Edward Haupt Sensei. After Haupt Sensei's death in 1999, Caron Sensei continued his Zen training at Zenshinkan under the direction of the Zen Training Academy International (formerly known as International Zen Dojo Sogenkai) and the community of Zen teachers and students, which were apart of that group. Caron Sensei emphasizes Zen training as a direct and powerful way to realize our true nature and gain personal and spiritual depth in our martial arts training and in our daily lives. Caron Sensei also currently holds the Aikido rank of Yondan with Aikikai Hombu Dojo and is the Chief Instructor of Zenshinkan Dojo.