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  Welcome to Hokyoji!

Hokyoji Zen Practice Community  offers opportunities to develop and deepen a steadfast practice of the Buddha's path in the Soto Zen tradition.  We provide both residential and non-residential practice in the form of practice periods, sesshins and individual practice.  Click here for a schedule of our offerings.

Our resident head teacher is Rev. Dokai Georgesen, who received dharma transmission from our founder, Dainin Katagiri Roshi.  Three other residents currently at Hokyoji are Ekyo Susan Nelson, Carl Hultman, and Carl Kosinski; who all participate in the practice and stewardship of Hokyoji. Hokyoji also plays host to dharma teachers from around the Midwest and beyond, who bring their own sanghas here for sesshins and retreats or serve as guest teachers for events like the annual Great Sky Sesshin. 

Set among forested hills in rural Minnesota on land selected by Katagiri Roshi and originally developed by the sangha of Minnesota Zen Meditation Center, Hokyoji connects Zen practice with the experience of nature close at hand.The hills and the rustic buildings provide a sense of peace and a deep quiet that washes the spirit and strengthens mindfulness.  Please come enjoy the land and sink into the Buddha's practice together with us. 

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The zendo


What's New 

Thank you for supporting the Annual Membership Appeal.  You can still become a member. For complete information, click here.

Winter Practice Period, starting on January 22nd - is an opportunity to enter the deep stillness of Hokyoji and practice in harmony with others for one, two, or all four weeks. Myo-on Susan Hagler will be the shuso for this Practice Period. For more information go to: Practice Offerings.

This year we will host our first Women's Restorative Zen Practice Retreat with Ekyo Susan Nelson and friends on the weekend of April 12-15, 2012 . Come and renew and recharge for the spring season at Hokyoji with a balance of activities including:  zazen, silence and conversation, rest and restorative movement, good food and company, and more. For further information please go to the Practice Offerings page of this web site and click on the link to the flyer.

SAVE THE DATE!

On Memorial Day Weekend, 2012  Hokyoji is having three events over the course of 2 days; the Hokyoji Annual Meeting, Shuso ceremomy for Myo-On Susan Hagler, and priest ordination of Ian Fretheim.

Please look in Practice Offerings for information on our Memorial Day Weekend 2012 special events.

Community Weekend is coming back...June 29-July 1, 2012.

This event is open to people of all ages. No previous Zen practice experience is required. Families with children are encouraged to attend. Campfires,  optional sitting and short dharma talks geared to children and adults, communal meals, hikes on the trails, singing, and other activities will be offered.