After completing the online application on this page, you’ll be invited to participate in a video interview with members of the Intro to Zen organizing team. This call is required, and is a chance for both parties to make sure you are able and prepared to complete the program. 

In most cases, we will be able to notify applicants within a week about whether they can participate in the program.

A 50% deposit will be required within two weeks of being accepted into Intro to Zen to hold your space, with the remaining program fee required by the start of the program.

Live-in training is for every ability level, and we are able to scale up and scale down the physical training to fit individual abilities. However, the hallmark of Chozen-ji training is that it is direct and vigorous.

There will be a chance at the end of the week to talk with Chozen-ji teachers about longer stays and future opportunities.

The program fee covers all program activities and your stay at Chozen-ji, including all meals and accommodations. It also supports purchasing training equipment and groceries, the costs of running the facilities, and basic amenities.

We’ll provide a packing list to individuals who’ve been accepted into the program.

If you have an active relationship with another Zen teacher, please obtain their approval to apply for the Intro to Zen before submitting the online application. To maintain good relationships with the Zen community, we will also ask to speak to your teacher.

Additionally, we find that Chozen-ji training—including the Intro to Zen program— is not a good fit for individuals who prefer to train in more than one different school of Buddhism or multiple spiritual disciplines concurrently.

We’ve been collaborating for over 10 years with a world champion boxer and have found that boxing is a good complement to the existing martial arts training at Chozen-ji. It particularly helps people address anger, ego, and other habits in the context of Zen training. For individuals interested in more intensive boxing training, the Intro to Zen program is a good way to understand our approach and pursue participation in our more intensive Zen and Boxing training.

Successful live-in training students get the most out of their experiences (and demonstrate potential for long term live-in training, if that’s something they're pursuing) by displaying strong commitments to:

- Taking initiative in the training, as well as in executing work and tasks that support the group and the successful operation of the program

- Bringing a positive attitude and energy, even or especially when they are uncomfortable

- Taking negative feedback and constructive criticism as valuable opportunities to become aware of harmful or limiting behaviors they can't see themselves

- Taking care of others before themselves—this includes valuing others' time, playing the role that's needed in the moment (not the one they necessarily want to play), and pushing themselves to get the most out of your short time at Chozen-ji