Initially interested in exploring non-duality, cosmology and quantum mechanics, Jokai found the universe full of paradox.

In this talk, he shares his own discovery of Buddhism and the practice of meditation. Through his initial work with Zen koans he arrived at a sense of emptiness, non-being and ‘becoming nobody’. Jokai recounts his strong attraction to early practitioners of meditation and their understanding of the world.

After studying intensely for many years, Jokai gradually realized that he wanted to bring his learning to the community at large by balancing worldly engagement with spaciousness and emptiness.

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Jokai relocated to California from the UK in 2000 to study with Tenshin Fletcher Roshi at Yokoji Zen Mountain Center. After completing formal study, encompassing over a decade of residential training and service, he received Dharma Transmission (full authorization to teach) in the White Plum Lineage of Zen Buddhism in 2014, and Inka (final seal of approval) in 2022. Jokai Roshi emphasizes the direct experience of awakening using contemporary language and time-honored methods.