Home→About Us→Ordinary Mind Zen School

Ordinary Mind Zen School

Caught in a self-centered dream —
only suffering.
Holding to self-centered thoughts —
exactly the dream.
Each moment, life as it is —
the only teacher
Being just this moment —
Compassion’s Way.

The Ordinary Mind Zen School intends to manifest and support practice of the Awakened Way as expressed in the teachings of Charlotte Joko Beck. The school consists of Joko Beck, her Dharma Successors, and teachers as they, as individuals, have been formally authorized.

There is no affiliation with other Zen groups or religious denominations; however, membership in this school does not preclude individual affiliation with other groups. Within the school there is no hierarchy of Dharma Successors

The Awakened Way is universal; the medium and methods to realize it vary according to circumstances. Each Dharma Successor in the school may apply diverse practice approaches and determine the structure of any organization that s/he may develop to facilitate practice.

The Dharma Successors acknowledge that they are ongoing students and the quality of their teaching derives from the quality of their practice. As ongoing students, teachers are committed to the openness and fluidity of practice, wherein the wisdom of the absolute may be manifested in life. An important component of this school is the ongoing examination and development of effective teaching approaches to ensure comprehensive practice in all aspects of living.

May the practice of this school manifest wisdom and compassion, benefiting all beings.

December 1, 1995

Centers:

California

Illinois

  • Prairie Zen Center and affiliates
    515 South Prospect
    Champaign, IL 61821
    (217) 355-8835
    www.prairiezen.org
    Teacher:     Elihu Genmyo Smith

New York

Pennsylvania

Oregon

Australia

  • Ordinary Mind Zen Brisbane
    (07) 3870 1274
    Location on request
    Brisbane, Australia
    www.ordinarymind.org.au
    Teacher:     Gregg Howard
  • Ordinary Mind Zen Sydney
    Suite 4/188 Pacific Highway, North Sydney
    Sydney, Australia
    02 9955 0110 or 0419986494
    www.ordinarymind.org.au
    Teacher:     Geoff Dawson