Both lay and ordained practitioners are eligible to live at Korinji, the headquarters monastery of Rinzai Zen International.​

 

Residence at a Zen monastery is a precious opportunity to explore the fundamental questions of our existence. Though it is a challenging and at times exhausting way of life, we may — if we give ourselves wholeheartedly to this training — awaken to a new freedom. Returning then to the world, our true work begins: a life of compassionate service to others.​ As one of our residents wrote:

 

Aside from Zen, residents here practice martial arts, fine arts such as tea ceremony and calligraphy, and have to opportunity to experience a number of other training disciplines at our abbot's discretion. ​

 

The nature of the training at Korinji has led to our being called the most rigorous traditional Zen monastery in the West. Practice at Korinji should be viewed as being at an elite or advanced level, unlike other centers that may be more casual in tone and schedule. This does not mean that less experienced students are ineligible to apply. But they should have a solid practice foundation, clearly understand the nature of life here, and be prepared to set aside all other practices, relationships, and life concerns while here. They should also have a strong wish to commit to teacher-student relationship with our abbot, at least for the time of their residency. We are happy to speak with you regarding your goals and suitability for residency.

 

We allow residency of varying length, and no one is turned away for inability to donate (it may also be possible to reside at Korinji with a modified schedule allowing for work). Residents demonstrating competence and commitment may be eligible to receive a stipend from Korinji.
 

To explore the possibility of Buddhist monastic life (and to see our annual and daily monastic schedules) please carefully read this packet containing the Korinji residency information and application. When you are ready to begin a conversation with us about residency, submit the application as directed.​​​

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​There are two types of Rinzai Zen ordination conferred in our community: monastic (shukke tokudo) and lay (nyudo).

 

The former is ordination as a Rinzai Zen priest. It generally (though not always) requires a period of residential practice at the monastery, and includes training in teaching, ministerial, and ceremonial duties.​​ The latter is for senior lay practitioners in our community wishing to express a fuller commitment to the Zen path while still fulfilling their existing family or career obligations.

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If you are interested in a vocation of service to others through either kind of ordination, please also read this information.