Summer 2025 Newsletter: Summer Sesshin & New Priest Ordination

This summer’s sesshin was one of the largest held at Chozen-ji in decades, with 32 participants living in and another 8 attending in the evenings. These numbers forced everyone to get sharper, and everything from the meals to the Budo had to get more efficient. The students pushed hard, especially during the free training time. Every evening the Kendo students had keiko from 10-11pm and a dedicated group of boxing students put in long stretches of fundamentals.

The sesshin concluded with the ordination of six new Chozen-ji priests. These priests are some of the most dedicated students who have been training at Chozen-ji over the last 15 years. They are all more than qualified to head out into the world giving fearlessness to everyone they encounter.

Zachary Opaskar - Joshin Gensho - Pure Compassion, Shining Strength

Chadwick Kamei - Washin Daisha - Harmonious Spirit, Great Shot

Carl He - Daiun Genkyo - Great Cloud, Penetrating Fist

Raul Betancourt - Yushin Daigo - Gentle Spirit, Great Protector

Eric Birkeland - Seikan Daiki - Clear Intuition, Great Energy

Katy Luo - Zenmei Ritsushin - All Life, Pure Note