The Sanbozen Lineage

The Penticton Zen Centre is part of the Sanbozen lineage of Kamakura, Japan. The Centre operates as a member of the worldwide Sanbo Zen International (SZI) organization.

This lay movement has no involvement in the monastic temple system of Buddhism, and yet offers a unique harmonization of the Soto and Rinzai Schools – the two main traditional schools of Zen in Japan.

Our Abbot

Born in Manchuria as the first son of Kyozo Yamada (later Kō’un Roshi) and Kazue Yamada. 

At age 16, he became a student of Yasutani Roshi. In 1978, he finished koan study under Kō’un Roshi. 

In 1985, dharma was transmitted from Kō’un Roshi and he was appointed Authentic Zen Teacher. 

In Oct 2004, Ryō’un Yamada Roshi was appointed as the Abbot of Sanbo Zen International.

The Sanbozen Way

Our primary aspiration is to follow in the footsteps of Shakyamuni Buddha (also known as Siddhartha Guatama) and experientially grasp our true self in the essence of all things.

This is arrived at through the practice of zazen (sitting meditation) which over time ripens our experience of life with its three fruits:

  • Concentration
  • Seeing true nature
  • Perfection of character

These three qualities form the foundation of true peace of mind.

As this evolves in our experience, this essence of our true nature naturally emerges from our time on the mat, into our time in our daily lives, transforming our relationship with everything in our experience.

Zazen brings forth additional very positive effects, both mental and physical, which certainly help us to live through this stress-laden life in the modern world.

All this constitutes the reason why we practice zazen and recommend it also to all people interested in meditative life, thus hoping to contribute to making this world a better place to live in.

See into Sanbozen

Documentary filmmaker Fluvio Benelli spent time with a Zen master to learn about the practice of zazen.

This trailer offers a brief overview of this particular Zen practice that has drawn students from both the East and West.

Play Video

Sanbozen Communities (Sanghas) around the world

Sangha is a Sanskrit word meaning association, assembly, company, or community.

CANADA

Toronto Zendo, Toronto, Ont.

(Home zendo of our founder Sister Elaine MacInnes and our current Zen Master Brian Chisholm)
www.torontozendo.ca

USA

Mountain Cloud Zen Center, Santé Fe, NM
www.mountaincloud.org

Maria Kannon Zen Center, Dallas, TX
www.mkzc.org

 

EUROPE

Oxford Zen Centre, Oxford, UK oxfordzencentre.org.uk

ASIA-PACIFIC

Zen Center Philippines, Marikina City, Ph
zenphilippines.org.ph

Mountain Moon Sangha, Brisbane, Aus.
www.amtelecom.net

“The practice of Zen offers something simple, direct and accessible to anyone seeking stillness and peace of mind in this busy, frantic world. When we seek and find this peace for ourselves, we then have what it takes to offer it to those around us. The whole of Zen discipline is to make us come alive to the present. When we are sitting, we concentrate on our breathing. Away from our cushion, we are one with our activity.”
Sister Elaine MacInnes
Sister Elaine MacInnes