About Us

Facing the Mountain Zen Group (Kōgaku-ji) was convened in Reno in 2014. Since then, we have practiced as a small, steady sangha with regular zazen, chanting, dharma study, and seasonal practice periods.

Our form is intentionally simple: create reliable conditions for practice, support each other in daily life, and preserve the Soto Zen tradition through sincere training and service.

Our current leadership structure reflects both continuity and transparency:

• • Practice Leader: oversees operations, weekly practice, and student support.
• • Novice Priest: assists liturgy, practice forms, and sangha care.
• • Guiding Teacher (Emeritus): offers senior guidance and continuity.

Some rites and responsibilities in Soto Zen require specific authorization and timing; we communicate those boundaries openly as part of ethical practice.

Facing the Mountain is in relationship with a small network of affiliated mountain sanghas, including:

• • Mount Diablo Zen Group (Pleasant Hill, CA)
• • Bodhi Oak Zen Sangha (Oakhurst, CA)

Our practice is rooted in Soto Zen as transmitted from:

Eihei Dōgen (1200–1253) → Shunryu Suzuki Roshi → Sojun Mel Weitsman Roshi → Baika Heaton Roshi

We hold this lineage with gratitude and responsibility, while emphasizing direct practice in contemporary daily life.

"Facing the Mountain" (Kōgaku) references the spirit of mountain practice: simplicity, steadiness, and direct encounter.

We draw inspiration from Bassui Tokushō (1327–1387), whose hermitage was known as Kōgaku-an ("Facing the Mountain Hermitage"), later remembered as Kōgaku-ji. For us, this points to practice grounded less in institutional grandeur and more in sincere realization.

We are a floating practice community: we maintain regular practice without owning a full-time temple property.

Since our founding, Dharmakaya Buddhist Center has generously hosted our regular in-person gatherings. Because location and access details can vary, please contact us before attending.