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 18, 2025
    Online Only! Presented by Long Beach Meditation

    LBM’s Sangha Celebration will immediately follow this talk.

    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. Today’s class be held online only. 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.

  • Essential Questioning – Unlocking the Zen Koan

    9:30 am - 12:00 pm, Saturday May 31, 2025
    Online - Presented by Long Beach Meditation

    About this Class

    This online morning retreat will focus on the practice of koan in the Zen tradition. Suitable for newcomers and experienced practitioners alike, we will explore how to approach and unlock deeper realization through the art of essential questioning. Our morning retreat will include time for meditation, two dharma talks, and group discussion.

    Description

    The Zen koan is a powerful tool for unlocking a deeper realization of our original nature. Timeless human questions such as “Who am I?” and “What is this?” help interrupt discursive thinking and gather our energy into focused inquiry. Through sincere, essential questioning, we can untangle confusion and come into a closer, more intimate contact with our true nature.

    Schedule

    9:30AM – Welcome and Introductions
    9:35AM – Meditation with Guidance
    10:00AM – Dharma Talk with Q&A
    10:45AM – Zen Meditation
    11:10AM – Stretch break
    11:15AM – Dharma Talk with Q&A
    12:00PM – Metta Chant and Closing

    Cost

    The class is being offered for $35. For LBM Sustaining Members, we are offering the class at a discounted rate of $25.

    How to Join the Retreat

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

  • LBM Sunday Dharma

    3:00 pm - 4:30 pm, Sunday June 29, 2025
    Online or In-Person! Presented by Long Beach Meditation

    LBM’s Sangha Celebration will immediately follow this talk.

    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.