Rinzai-ji Zen Center is an urban meditation center located in Adams district in Los Angeles, California. Rinzai-ji offers a daily Zen practice as well as an opportunity for residential practice that allows its residents to practice in the daily schedule. It is also an international branch of the Myōshin-ji sect of Rinzai Zen Buddhism. Rinzai-ji was founded in 1968 by Denkyo-shitsu Kyōzan Jōshu Sasaki Rōshi, a missionary monk brought from Myōshin-ji, Kyōto in Japan. Rinzai-ji offers a daily Zazen program, Zazenkai (1-3 day retreat) and Sesshin (5-7 day intensive retreats) that are open to both new and experienced practitioners throughout the year. The mission of Rinzai-ji is to provide an environment for practice in which practitioners see deeply into the nature of self and all phenomenon. Central to this practice is sitting meditation (Zazen). The spacious Zendo (meditation hall) invites everyone from students, workers, householders to ordained zen practitioners to participate in the formal Zan practice including chanting service, silent work (Samu) and sitting & walking Zazen (meditation) practice together.
There are many ways in which one can engage at Rinzai-ji and everyone is welcome to join our community starting with a Newcomers Class as a gateway.
Spiritual Principles of Rinzai-ji
Board of Directors
Elisa Atwill, Chair
Members: Paul Humphreys, Jack Drake, Myoren Yasukawa
Contact Board of Directors: Click here.
Temple Director
Myoren Yasukawa, Shika
Driving here
Rinzai-ji is located at 2505 Cimarron Street in Los Angeles, California.
From I-10 heading East:
Take the Arlington Avenue exit and turn right on Arlington. Turn left on 25th street then right on Cimarron Street. Now you are driving beside the white wall around Rinzai-ji. Follow the wall right into the first alley, the gate to the Zen Center is immediately on your right.
From I-10 heading West:
Take the Arlington Avenue exit and turn left on Arlington. Cross the freeway and stay straight. Turn left on 25th street then right on Cimarron Street. Now you are driving beside the white wall around Rinzai-ji. Follow the wall right into the first alley, the gate to the Zen Center is immediately on your right.
Flying here
Please fly to LAX airport. Email or phone your flight information and we will arrange for a pick you up at LAX. We appreciate a donation to assist with the cost of this service.