About Us:

The Ordinary Mind Zen School intends to manifest and support practice of the Awakened Way as expressed in the teachings of Charlotte Joko Beck. The school consists of Joko Beck, her Dharma Successors, and teachers as they, as individuals, have been formally authorized.

There is no affiliation with other Zen groups or religious denominations; however, membership in this school does not preclude individual affiliation with other groups. Within the school there is no hierarchy of Dharma Successors

The Awakened Way is universal; the medium and methods to realize it vary according to circumstances. Each Dharma Successor in the school may apply diverse practice approaches and determine the structure of any organization that s/he may develop to facilitate practice.

The Dharma Successors acknowledge that they are ongoing students and the quality of their teaching derives from the quality of their practice. As ongoing students, teachers are committed to the openness and fluidity of practice, wherein the wisdom of the absolute may be manifested in life. An important component of this school is the ongoing examination and development of effective teaching approaches to ensure comprehensive practice in all aspects of living.