Daishu-in West

Daishu-in West is a Rinzai Zen Buddhist temple located near Benbow, California, founded in 1994 by Soko Morinaga Roshi. The temple offers a traditional Japanese Rinzai Zen monastic schedule to both new and experienced practitioners. It features a Zendo (meditation hall) and Hondo (Dharma hall) built with traditional Japanese joinery, and a serene environment ideal for meditation and spiritual practice.

Daishu-in West is a branch of the Myoshin-ji sect of Japanese Rinzai Zen Buddhism. Founded in 1994 by Soko Morinaga Roshi, the temple was built with the help of his disciples, Shaku Daijo and Ursula Jarand. The temple has a Zendo (meditation hall) and Hondo (Dharma hall) constructed using traditional Japanese joinery, a traditional Japanese bath, and well-maintained grounds. Shaku Kojyu, who came to the temple in 2007, was installed as the second abbot after the death of Daijo Osho in 2018.

The temple welcomes visitors for retreats of any length, with first-time visitors encouraged to stay for two or three days to become familiar with the monastic rhythm. The daily schedule includes meditation, sutra chanting, and samu (working meditation). Visitors can also join morning zazen online from Tuesday to Saturday. The temple offers a weekend immersion program that includes Sutra Chanting, Samu, Zazen, and structured meals. The program is designed to introduce participants to Rinzai Zen monastic training and is open to both beginners and experienced practitioners.

Daishu-in West operates on a donation basis, with a suggested donation of $200-300 for the weekend program. The temple is located in the serene hills of Southern Humboldt, California, about 4 hours north of San Francisco. Google Maps directions are not accurate, so first-time visitors are advised to call the temple for specific directions. The temple is described as a peaceful and welcoming environment, offering a unique opportunity to experience traditional Rinzai Zen practice in a secluded setting.

Facilities at the temple include a Zendo, Hondo, and a traditional Japanese bath. The temple also has a vegan restaurant on site, as noted in visitor reviews. The environment is noted for its beauty, serenity, and traditional Japanese architecture, making it a true gem for those seeking a traditional Zen practice away from city life.

Daishu-in West offers a serene, traditional Rinzai Zen practice environment in Garberville, CA, ideal for both newcomers and seasoned practitioners. The temple's Japanese-inspired architecture and monastic schedule create a focused, welcoming space for meditation and spiritual growth.

Pros

• Provides a structured monastic schedule with online morning zazen sessions and weekend immersion programs.
• Features traditional Japanese architecture and a peaceful, secluded setting.
• Welcomes visitors of all experience levels, with guidance for first-time guests.
• Offers a vegan restaurant on-site for meals during visits.
• Includes facilities like a Zendo, Hondo, and traditional Japanese bath for immersive practice.
• Hosts clear service times for zazen and weekend programs.

Cons

• Location in Southern Humboldt may require advance planning for directions, as Google Maps may not be accurate.
• No explicit mention of family or children's programs in the available information.
• Limited details on accessibility features for visitors with mobility needs.
• Donation-based model may require visitors to self-assess their ability to contribute.