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

View all Podcasts

Upcoming Events

View all Events

  • ICD Tuesday Night – Meditation as Refuge

    6:30 pm - 8:00 pm, Tuesday February 10, 2026
    Online - Presented by Insight Community of the Desert

    Meditation as Refuge extends a weekly invitation to everyone who would like to explore meditation as a support for their spiritual development. The intention is to focus on realizing our innate capacity for care, compassion and mutual respect. This event welcomes everyone, beginning meditators and experienced practitioners alike.

    Cost: Donation basis, there is no charge to participate. ICD center and teachers are supported by your generosity. Please give from your ability and heart.

    To join via Zoom click here.

  • ICD Sunday Meditation & Dharma Talk

    10:30 am - 12:00 pm, Sunday February 15, 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

  • The Three Pure Precepts

    9:00 am - 3:00 pm, Saturday February 21, 2026
    In Person - Presented by Long Beach Meditation

    Drawing on Dogen Zenji’s Kyojukaimon (Instructions on Giving and Receiving the Precepts), the Three Pure Precepts are a core teaching of the Buddhist tradition that guides an aspiring Bodhisattva’s conduct and way of being in everyday life, for the benefit of all. ​

    About the Retreat

    This day retreat will focus on the Three Pure Precepts with time for meditation and periods of restful silence. Dharma talks and discussions will be centered on Dogen Zenji’s text Kyojukaimon (Instructions on Giving and Receiving the Precepts).

    ~~~~
    These are the Three Pure Precepts:

    Do Not Commit Harm
    It is the dwelling place of all the Buddhas, Dharma and precepts.
    It is the very source of all the Buddhas, Dharma and precepts.

    Practicing Good
    The Dharma of Anuttara Samyak Sambodhi (unsurpassed, perfect enlightenment)
    which is the way of practice and being practiced.

    Do Good For Others
    Transcending the ordinary and transcending the holy, liberate oneself and others.

    These are called the Three Pure Precepts.

    Eihei Dogen – Kyojukaimon
    ~~~~

    Any level of experience is welcome. Please bring your own light lunch to the event. We will have access to a refrigerator. Cold and hot water, as well as snacks will be provided.

    Schedule

    9:00am – Welcome and Introductions
    9:10am – Opening Meditation (posture, breathing, mind)
    9:40am – Walking Meditation
    9:45am – Dharma Talk on the Three Pure Precepts
    10:45am – Tea Break
    11:00am – Meditation (just-sitting)
    11:25am – Discussion, questions, and comments on the text
    12:00pm – Lunch Break
    1:00pm – Meditation (just-sitting)
    1:25pm – Walking Meditation
    1:30pm – Dharma Talk – The Three Pure Precepts continued
    2:15pm – Meditation (just-sitting)
    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.

    Scholarships are available. Volunteers at events are always appreciated.

    How to Join the Retreat

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