A community rooted in the Rinzai Zen tradition that embraces koan practice, creativity, and real life.
Our Approach
After twenty years of teaching koans in a classical way, founder John Tarrant discovered ways of teaching koans that can orient anyone — including people who have no experience with meditation or Zen — towards a rich, full engagement with their own lives, and towards awakening.
We encourage people to take one step into freedom, and then the next, and then the next, and everything we do in PZI is directed to that end. Imagination, experimentation, and cultivating the riches of the inner-life are likewise core elements of our approach.
Have a listen to “The Nobility of Having a Practice” with John Tarrant to get a feel for yourself.
Allison Atwill, "Hands and Eyes," 2008
How to Begin
A few first steps, whether you're new to Zen or just new to PZI.
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Join us for Sunday Zen
Join us online for meditation, music, poetry, & dharma talks led by PZI teachers. The best way to get a feel for our community.
Join Sunday Zen -
Explore the KALPA Library
Browse our vast library of dharma talks and search by topics of interest to you. Find a teacher who speaks to you.
Explore the KALPA Library -
Experience
Explore our upcoming retreats. These are vital to our practice, and one of our favorite things to do together.
Explore upcoming retreats