Portrait of Jokai Blackwell

Living Zen is a project of Tenryu Jokai Blackwell offering regular dharma talks via podcast, writings and news of upcoming events.

Dharma Talk Podcasts

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Upcoming Events

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  • LBM Sunday Dharma

    3:00 pm - 4:30 pm, Sunday May 5, 2024
    Online or In-Person! Presented by Long Beach Meditation

    On Sunday afternoons Long Beach Meditation offers meditation practice and a Dharma Talk by one of our established Teachers and on special occasions invited guests. This class invites participants to find support, guidance, and the energy to do the challenging work of awakening. After a welcoming introduction, the bell is rung to begin our 30-minute meditation. There is a short break to stretch our legs, use the restroom, have a cup of tea, and chat with others. Returning to our seats, the remaining time allows for a Dharma Talk followed by discussion and questions and answers. We concluded with a brief metta chant for those who would like to join:

    May all beings be happy and safe from harm.
    May all beings be healthy in body and in mind.
    May all beings be peaceful and free from suffering.

    This class is suitable for all levels of experience and is held both in person and online. All are welcome and no one is turned away for lack of funds.

    Suggested Donation $15

    • Join Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/9014566014
    • Password: 042020
    • Meeting ID: 901 456 6014
    • Dial in on your phone (Voice only) +1 669 900 9128
    • One tap mobile +16699009128,,9014566014#

    FOR MORE INFO ABOUT LBM PROGRAMS, CLICK HERE.

  • Dharma Conversations

    6:30 pm - 7:30 pm, Tuesday May 7, 2024
    Online - Presented by Long Beach Meditation
    First Tuesday of Every Month

    How are things working out (and not working out) with our Dharma practice? Let’s talk about it! Dharma Conversations is a new class being offered by LBM’s Guiding Teacher Jokai Blackwell Roshi. Held on the first Tuesday of each month we begin with a short meditation, after which the meeting will be opened to all for discussion. Questions about the Dharma and our meditation practice may be submitted ahead of time, or addressed as they come up in the meeting. This is an opportunity to share our unique experience and the questions that naturally arise from navigating the often difficult and subtle Dharma path. Suitable both for beginners and those with more experience, this class is an opportunity to learn from a Dharma Teacher with more than 25 years of experience, in an informal and supportive setting.

    Registration

    Please see Long Beach Meditation’s event page to register.

  • Trust Your Heart

    9:00 am - 3:00 pm, Saturday May 25, 2024
    In Person - Presented by Long Beach Meditation

    “Concerning the Way, there will be no difficulty, if only you dislike being picky.”

    The Xinxin Ming, is a classic writing of the Golden Age of Ch’an (original Zen). This remarkable text has been cherished and studied in the Ch’an Zen school for more than a thousand years. Together, let’s bring this text to life, experiencing its relevance, richness, and depth through shared study.

    “Like the original nature of the universe, your nature is perfectly complete –
    nothing lacking and nothing in excess.”

    The Xinxin Ming can be translated as “Faith in Mind,”  or “Trust Your Heart.” This pivotal writing serves as a testament and encouragement towards the direct experience of enlightenment, the enduring truth that Shakyamuni Buddha realized under the Bodhi Tree.

    “If you misunderstand oneness, you’ll be frustrated by duality.”

    Drawing heavily upon Taoist understanding and terminology, it introduces the Buddhist way of awakening, expressed in a subtle and precise form. We will look at pivotal lines contained within this ancient inscription and explore how we can realize its essential meaning in our meditation and our everyday lives. A copy of the text will be provided to registered participants before the class. This class is suitable for beginners, as well as experienced meditators.

    “Everything has more than one side to it, and good comes from considering that.”

    Schedule

    9:00am – Welcome and Introductions
    9:10am – Opening Meditation (posture, breathing, mind)
    9:35am – Walking Meditation
    9:40am – Meditation (choiceless awareness)
    10:00am – Dharma Talk on the text Trust Your Heart
    10:45am – Tea Break
    11:00am – Meditation
    11.25am – Discussion, questions, and comments on the text
    12:00pm – Lunch Break
    1:00pm – Sitting Meditation
    1:25pm – Walking Meditation
    1:30pm – Dharma Talk – Trust Your Heart (continued)
    2:15pm – Sitting Meditation
    2:30pm – Reflections and Sharing
    3:00pm – Metta Chant and Closing

    Cost

    The retreat is being offered for $55. For LBM Sustaining Members, we are offering the retreat at a discounted rate of $45.

    If you cannot afford the full fee, choose “Reduced Fee” on the registration form below and please let us know in the comments field what you can afford. Volunteers at our events are always appreciated.

    If you can contribute additional funds, your contributions help keep our services available, compensate teachers and staff, and make classes available for those who cannot afford them.

    How to Join the Retreat

    Please see Long Beach Meditation’s event page to register.