Teaching

"Emptiness is often misunderstood; people think that emptiness is a blank state. This is a view that could not be further from the truth. The experience of emptiness does not negate anything; rather it embraces everything. Through practicing and experiencing emptiness great joy and equanimity is experienced."

--Tenshin, Roshi

Born in Manchester, England, Charles Tenshin Fletcher, Roshi came to the United States in 1979 to study at the Zen Center of Los Angeles with founder Taizan Maezumi, Roshi.  In 1994, Tenshin, Roshi received Dharma Transmission (authorization to teach) in the White Plum lineage from Maezumi, Roshi.  He acted as administrator for many years at ZCLA and is now teacher and Abbott at Zen Mountain Center.  Tenshin, Roshi is one of twelve North American teachers officially certified as a Dendokyoshi by Japanese Soto Headquarters.  Tenshin, Roshi is sought out by Zen students from around the world for his profound insight into traditional Zen study and ability to guide students towards tapping into their own inner wisdom. Roshi has trained thoroughly in both koan and shikantaza "just sitting" practice and works with students using these traditional  and other more recently developed forms.  He strongly encourages that we pay attention to every aspect of our lives, giving life to life.

Tenshin, Roshi's new book Way of Zen (co-authored by David Shoji Scott) has just been released and is available at our online store.

YZMC Community Journal

Transcripts of talks by Tenshin, Roshi are contained in the YZMC Community Journal which is received bi-monthly by all YZMC members.