Both lay and ordained practitioners are eligible to live at Korinji.

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Residence at a Zen monastery is a precious opportunity to explore the fundamental questions of our existence. Though it is a challenging and at times exhausting way of life, we may — if we give ourselves wholeheartedly to this training — awaken to a new freedom. Returning then to the world, our true work begins: a life of compassionate service to others.​

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We are happy to speak with you regarding your goals and suitability for residency. We allow stays of varying length, and no one is turned away for inability to donate (it may also be possible to reside at Korinji with a modified schedule allowing for work). Residents here additionally practice various arts, such as tea ceremony and calligraphy, and have to opportunity to experience a number of other training disciplines.

 

To begin exploring the possibility of Buddhist monastic life (and to see our annual and daily monastic schedules) please carefully read this residency information. Then, contact us for an application.

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​There are two types of Rinzai Zen ordination conferred in our community: monastic (shukke tokudo) and lay (nyudo).

 

The former is ordination as a Rinzai Zen priest. It generally (though not always) requires a period of residential practice at the monastery, and includes training in teaching, ministerial, and ceremonial duties.​​ The latter is for senior lay practitioners in our community wishing to express a fuller commitment to the Zen path while still fulfilling their existing family or career obligations.

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If you are interested in a vocation of service to others through either kind of ordination, please also read this information.