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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  • Dharma Conversations

    6:30 pm - 7:30 pm, Tuesday April 7, 2026
    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 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.

  • Stillness in the Storm: An Urban Retreat

    Thursday April 9, 2026 - Saturday April 11, 2026
    In Person and Online - Presented by Long Beach Meditation

    Description

    For the first time, Long Beach Meditation has the special opportunity to gather for a multi-day, non-residential retreat either at their spiritual home of Bay Shore Church or online. It is an opportunity to rest, refresh, and renew, supported by the warmth of a caring community of dharma practitioners.

    Stillness in the Storm reminds us that no matter how turbulent the world around us becomes, a place of quiet and refuge is always within reach.

    As Dogen Zenji writes, “In stillness, mind and object merge in realization and go beyond enlightenment.” Our practice is one of intimacy with reality. In our meditation tradition, we often speak of stillness, not as the absence of movement, but as the capacity to meet life exactly as it is. Can we settle into this present moment, however uncomfortable, and experience the refuge that is always present? In doing so, we manifest the equanimity that transmits much-needed peace.

    Our retreat will include sitting and walking meditation, a meal held in silence, and tai chi as a gentle movement practice. Our LBM Dharma Teachers will offer five Dharma talks, guiding us in discovering the strength and resilience that arise naturally from immersion in stillness. The schedule includes optional early morning meditation, morning chanting, and time for mindful rest breaks. You can view the schedule by visiting the tab labeled “Schedule.”

    If joining in person, a light breakfast will be provided. Please bring your own lunch.

    Registration Options, Pricing, and Schedule

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

  • An Evening of Zen

    6:00 pm - 8:00 pm, Tuesday April 21, 2026
    Online - Presented by Long Beach Meditation

    Join us for an evening of Zen meditation. We will alternate periods of zazen (seated meditation) and kinhin (walking meditation). Jokai Roshi will offer an opportunity for one-on-one private interview, followed by a dharma talk. Our meeting will be conducted in essential silence with guidance offered at the beginning.

    A one-on-one interview is a private meeting with a teacher to discuss your meditation practice and ask any questions you might have. Interviews are optional for newcomers and encouraged for regular practitioners.

    This meeting is suitable for both beginning and experienced meditators. Attendance is particularly encouraged for those wishing to deepen their realization of Zen. This evening retreat is offered quarterly.

    Schedule

    6:00PM – Welcome and Introductions
    6:05PM – Zazen, Seated Meditation
    6:35PM – Walking Meditation
    6:40PM – Zazen, Seated Meditation
    7:10PM – Walking Meditation
    PLEASE NOTE: One-on-one interviews take place in a private break-out room during the sitting and walking meditation. Interviews are optional.
    7:15PM – Dharma Talk with questions and comments
    8:00PM – Closing

    Registration and Payment

    The class is being offered for $30. For LBM Sustaining Members, we are offering the course at a discounted rate of $20.

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

    Additional 2026 Dates

    July 21st ~ September 22nd

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