Donate to the New Shodo & Kado Building at Chozen-ji
Construction has begun on the new Shodo and Kado building at Chozen-ji through a new partnership with Somakosha, a traditional Japanese carpentry school in Okayama, Japan. Please consider making a donation to support this effort—below by credit card, bank transfer, or donor advised fund; or if you’re on Oahu by dropping off cash or a check. Checks can also be mailed to:
Chozen-ji
3565 Kalihi St
Honolulu, HI 96819
The first new training building at the dojo in 40 years
After decades of Kalihi Valley weather and termites, several of our buildings are in urgent need of replacement. The front shed next to the parking lot used by the calligraphy and flower arrangement classes is the first building we've decided to replace.
The new design will improve training and significantly change the view of the dojo from Kalihi Street. A ramp will increase accessibility for those with disabilities and limited mobility, and the new building will be an additional space for doing zazen and teaching the beginners class.
Other features of the new design include:
A dedicated calligraphy training space with proper storage and display areas;
Better storage for the Kado class, places to display their Chozen-ji yaki ceramics, and space for them to train inside during heavy rain; and
A platform for sitting zazen that will accommodate both those who can sit on the floor and those who cannot.
Somakosha
Somakosha is an innovative carpentry firm led by young master carpenters in Okayama, Japan using traditional Japanese Carpentry methods. Somakosha is deeply aligned with Chozen-ji in that they also run a school dedicated to teaching carpentry and developing people.
Chozen-ji priest Eric Birkeland just returned from three months working at Somakosha, where he taught many of the carpenters zazen and led a three-day intensive with Kangen Roshi.
Check out this blogpost from Paklan to learn more and see additional photos of our building under construction at Somakosha.