SOTOZEN-NET > Soto Zen Temples > Organization and temples outside Japan > Kanzeon Zen Center Utah-Hoshinji
The Kanzeon Sangha, an international Zen community with centers established throughout the United States and Europe was founded by Dennis Genpo Merzel in 1982. In 1988, Kanzeon Inc. was incorporated and became the Sangha headquarters in Bar Harbor, Maine. Kanzeon was quickly known as one of the quintessential places for assiduous and thorough Zen practice. Students from throughout the world came to study with Genpo Sensei, later Genpo Roshi.
In 1991, Kanzeon moved its headquarters to Hillsboro, Oregon, and then, in 1993, to Salt Lake City, Utah, where it has been flourishing ever since. Here students from the local community, and retreat participants from throughout the world come to study and practice under Genpo Roshi’s guidance.
Kanzeon has been the home of Genpo Roshi’s Big Mind process since it’s inception in 1999. Born out of his desire to awaken people to their true nature, the Big Mind process is an easily accessible accelerated approach to self-realization, available to both Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike.
Kanzeon Zen Center hosts an active residential and community practice. In addition to offering regular daily zazen and several (three week-long) and numerous shorter Sesshins and other retreats, Kanzeon hosts Big Mind daily workshops & two Big Mind training retreats annually; a month-long autumn retreat and a two-week spring retreat.
More then 150 people attend zazen and a Dharma talk each Sunday. Morning zazen can be attened by as many as 35-50 students. There are between 12-15 residents typically living and practicing daily here at the Salt Lake City Center. There are affiliated centers throughout the world.
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