Monastic Training

Residence at Korinji is open to a small number of persons wishing to devote themselves completely to intensive practice of the Buddhist path.

Korinji Monastery Residency Details

Monastic training at Korinji Rinzai Zen monastery

Residency

Both lay and ordained practitioners are eligible to reside at Korinji.*

Monastic life is rigorous and exhausting. Due to its extremely demanding nature, residence at Korinji is not appropriate for Zen beginners. We are happy to speak with you regarding your goals and suitability for this practice.

If you are interested in exploring the opportunity of Buddhist monastic life (and to see our annual and daily monastic schedules), please read the residency information. Then, contact us for a residence application.

Residency Info

* Inclusivity Statement

Korinji is an inclusive community welcoming all regardless of age, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, or socioeconomic status. Due to its natural terrain limitations and distance from available parking facilities, Korinji Monastery is not currently able to accommodate residents or guests using wheelchairs, or those unable to navigate steep slopes and stairways

Ordination

There are two types of Rinzai Zen ordination conferred in our community: monastic (shukke tokudo) and lay (nyudo).

The former is the traditional Rinzai Zen ordination. It generally requires a minimum period of residential practice at the monastery, and includes training in teaching, ministerial, and ceremonial duties. The latter is for senior lay practitioners in our community wishing to express a fuller commitment to the Zen path while still fulfilling their existing family or career obligations; nyudo ordination does not require monastic residence or the wearing of robes. (Note: neither of these is jukai, taking refuge in the Three Treasures and receiving the five lay precepts - also called zaike tokudo - which is available to almost anyone.)

Ordination Info