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 March 15, 2026
    Online or In-Person! Presented by Long Beach Meditation

    On Sunday afternoons Long Beach Meditation offers meditation practice and a Dharma Talk. 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 conclude with a Dedication of Merit and Metta Chant for those who wish to join:

    We dedicate the merits of our practice to everyone gathered here,
    to our families, our community, and to all beings throughout the Dharma worlds.
    May the light of wisdom dispel darkness and awaken compassion.
    Let all karma be released, and the natural mind bloom in eternal spring.
    May we see clearly into the nature of reality and live each moment with awareness.
    Let us awaken together and walk the Way with love and humility.

    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 $20

    • 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.

  • Nagarjuna’s Precious Garland

    9:30 am - 12:00 pm, Saturday March 21, 2026
    Online - Presented by Long Beach Meditation

    Nagarjuna’s Precious Garland – Advice for Living an Upright Life

    About this Class

    This online morning retreat will focus on a concise, profound teaching by the 2nd‑century Buddhist luminary Nāgārjuna. Suitable for newcomers and experienced practitioners alike, we will explore the six perfections of Mahāyāna Buddhism using Nāgārjuna’s elegant formula.

    Description

    We will reflect on Nāgārjuna’s concise summary of the bodhisattva path. In just a few lines, he distills the six perfections into a complete map of practice for our own awakening, and the welfare of all.

    “Generosity and morality for benefiting others,
    Patience and diligence for cultivating self,
    Meditation and wisdom for casting off self and others.
    This is, in short, the great vehicle’s meaning.
    This is, in brief, the Buddha’s true teaching.
    For the liberation of self and all beings,
    These six means are the treasure-house.”

    The retreat will include periods of meditation, two dharma talks centered on the text, and time for group discussion.

    Schedule

    9:30am – Welcome and Introductions
    9:35am – Meditation with Guidance
    10:00am – Dharma Talk with Q&A
    10:40am – Zen Meditation (Just Sitting)
    11:10am – Stretch Break
    11:20am – Dharma Talk with Q&A
    12:00pm – Metta Chant and Closing

    Cost

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

    How to Join the Retreat

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

  • ICD Sunday Meditation & Dharma Talk

    10:30 am - 12:00 pm, Sunday March 22, 2026
    In Person and Online - Presented by Insight Community of the Desert

    This Sunday Meditation and Dharma Talk will be held from 10:30 a.m. until noon **In-Person at the Mizell Center** and simultaneously live *Online via Zoom*. Everyone is welcome.

    There will be time for meditation, a dharma (teaching) talk by one of our regular or guest teachers, and time for your comments and questions.

    TOPIC: Following in the Buddha’s Footsteps: The Noble Eightfold Path
    Today’s Topic: Wise Mindfulness

    For more information, visit ICD’s website.

    To join by Zoom, click the Zoom Link.

    To join in person:
    Mizell Center
    480 S. Sunrise Way
    Palm Springs, CA 92262