Introduction 
In Los Angeles, California, a city known more for glitz, glamour and the trophies of the material life, there lies an “oasis of calm” that interrupts the hectic hubbub of the city; the Sōtō Zen temple, Zenshuji. Based upon the 2,500-year-old teachings of Shakyamuni Buddha, the temple strives to provide teachings in Soto Zen “for those interested in satisfying spiritual, intellectual, and social needs.” Nestled at the southern end of the Little Tokyo section of the city, the Sōtō Temple provides guidance in Sōtō Zen practice to an ethnically diverse community within the greater Los Angeles area.
History of Sōtō Zen
Sōtō, one of the largest sects of Zen Buddhism, dates back to the 9th century BCE and was developed in China by Dongshan and Caoshan, founders of the Caodong School. Sōtō Zen is the Japanese equivalent to the beliefs and practices brought forth by Dongshan and Caoshan. This Mahayana lineage was passed to Japan by Dōgan Zenji and centers on the belief that sitting meditation would eventually allow someone to reveal their innate Buddha nature with the absence of body and mind. It is important to note, while there is recognition of the possibility of direct enlightenment, it is not a result of meditation. Rather, meditation is just able to bring forth one’s enlightened nature; sitting meditation does not seek after enlightenment itself. This form of Buddhism moved slowly and steadily into Japanese society, eventually becoming the second most popular form of Buddhism in Japan after a few generations. The simplicity and accessibility of Sōtō Zen within a wide range of society, lead to the byname, “farmer’s Zen,” because of the popularity among many common people.
Soto Zen as a New Style of Living
Foundation of Zenshuji Sōtō Mission
Zenshuji Sōtō Mission was first established in 1922 by the Reverend Hosen Isobe following in line with his work in spreading Sōtō Zen in parts of Asia and the Pacific. This temple in California is regarded as the first Sōtō Zen temple in the continental United States. As with most all aspects of Japanese culture, heritage and religion, practice at the temple came to a halt with the beginning of World War II as Japanese and American citizens of Japanese descent were forced into racist detention camps throughout the war. Nearing the end of the war, Zenshuji re-opened with the support of Bishop Daito Suzuki as a place of refuge for victims returning from the internment camps. With the memories of the treatment of those incarcerated still fresh in their minds, many Japanese Buddhists felt it necessary to try to blend into the stereotypical American lifestyle, urging many Buddhist temples to develop programs/rituals closely following the schedule of Protestant churches. Zenshuji was no exception to this trend. The temple began to adopt a more Japanese-American community as opposed to maintaining the strong, traditional lifestyle familiar to the Japanese immigrant community that was seen before the war. This embracing of American style and influence allowed Zenshuji to prosper during the wave of popularity of Zen Buddhism in America in the 1950s-1960s. Some of the more notable affiliations are listed below:
- Reverend Taizan Maezumi: Priest at Zenshuji from 1956-1966. Reverend Maezumi is the founder of Zen Center Los Angeles and author of well-known teachings including, “Appreciate your Life”
- Reverend Danin Katagiri. Priest at Zenshuji from 1963-1964. Assistant to a reverend at Sokoji Temple and Zen Center San Francisco. He was also the first Abbot at the Minnesota Zen Center.
Reverend Hosen Isobe
Reverend Hosen Isobe was born around 1877 in Tokuyama, Yamaguchi prefecture, Japan, to a samurai family, and was quickly put into a temple to study by age 7. A decade later, he was a well-known as a priest in the Sōtō Zen sect. Due to his militaristic demeanor inherited from his samurai heritage, Reverend Isobe in his youthful days was not always well-respected within his religious community. There was sometimes criticism for being less than committed to the traditional processes of training and learning in Sōtō Zen. Nonetheless, Reverend Isobe, freed from the constraints of expectations in his homeland, did remarkable missionary work in other parts of Japan and in Korea, before being sent to Hawaii as part of the Sōtō sect mission in 1914. Reverend Isobe was very influential in establishing the Sōtō Mission of Hawaii in Honolulu before coming to the mainland eight years later to establish not only Zenshuji, but also helping to organize Sokoji, the Sōtō Mission of San Francisco.
Bishop Daito Suzuki
Bishop Daito Suzuki immigrated from Japan to America at a young age, embarking on what he saw as a noble venture of going to the West to bring the Buddha’s teaching to the uninitiated. Daito found home in San Francisco and was appointed the third priest of Sokoji in that city. Following the struggles of war and incarceration, Daito helped restore Zenshuji after its temporary closure. Daito remained the abbot at Zenshuji as well as the Sōtō Zen bishop in North America until death in 1959.
Zazen Meditation
Zazen Meditation is central to Zenshuji Buddhist Temple. It is a very simple concep
t that proves to be more difficult in practice. The idea is to “just sit,” to not think about anything, but just let the world around you flow in natural order. Without focus on your breathing, without focus on a particular struggle in your life, and without focus on any object, your body will reach a realm of tranquility. This feeling of tranquility is independent of outside issues and allows the student to tap into our true nature. As expected, thoughts will invade your mind. Your job is to let them be; they will go away on their own. Zenshuji reinforces the importance of obliterating the sense of self, especially the necessity of separating self from others. Zazen meditation is supposed to bring a feeling of unanimity within the world. As previously mentioned, this practice allows the unveiling of innate Buddha Nature. The meditation itself, however, should not be seen as the answer to reaching enlightenment. Zenshuji offers classes on the nature and substance of Zazen, how to practice, as well as times to practice multiple times a week.
Community at Zenshuji 
Community at Zenshuji welcomes and embraces a wide range of ethnic backgrounds and ages. While a strong focus is put on meditation (in the form of Zazen and Kinhin), Zenshuji offers a wide variety of classes and activities to appeal to a more diverse group of people, while also creating a very family-oriented atmosphere. Monthly lectures, for example, are taught by a Sōtō Zen priest on the teachings of Dōgen, and other aspects of Buddhism. On Saturdays, the temple offers classes on the art of Shakyo, with the sole purpose of bringing one peace of mind-whether they are Buddhist or not. Zenshuji also offers tea ceremonies three times a month to teach those interested in the meaning underlying this rich, cultural ritual. The four-hour class allows the audience to get a better understanding of the importance of green tea and every aspect surrounding it. To make sure children are included within the educational realm, Zenshuji offers Terakoya- a program for three to six-year-olds regarding basic teachings of Buddhism. Aside from educational opportunities, there is a variety of activities and entertainments open to the public including: karaoke, Zen aerobics, Fujinkai, Goeika, and Zendeko. In addition, Zenshuji offers a wide range of services including private services (weddings, baby blesssings, memorial services and funerals), semi-private services (Setsubun-E and Shichi-Go-San), annual services/events (Shusho-E, Setsubun-E, Nehan-E, etc.), and a monthly service and memorial. No previous experience or strict adherence to Buddhist beliefs are required for any activities, including Zazen meditation. Zazen classes are available for beginners and novices to make sure the temple serves as inclusive a population as possible. The temple closes on major holidays including Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
While Zenshuji offers opportunities that coincide with more a traditional atmosphere, the leaders of this temple have done an extraordinary job at using modern activities to catch the interest of a wider population. Through these new and innovative efforts, the temple is able to provide traditional practices, but also to continue outreach to a larger community to spread the teachings of the Buddha and educate people on the true comfort and positivity of Sōtō Zen. The end goal of the work of the temple is to provide a path for all people to find peace in their lives, be it spiritual, intellectual, or social desires. In the more abstract way, it offers a vision to end suffering, the base of Buddhism.
Current Ministers Zenshuji
Reverend Shumyo Kojima (Head Preist) 
Reverend Kojima was born in Saga, Japan. He graduated from Komazawa University studying Buddhist history and philosophy. Rev Kojima continued his studies at the Sōtō Institute researching Sōtō Education Studies. His research in America took place at Zenshuji where he returned after his research and studies at Eiheji Monastery. Reverend Kojima brings a traditional background to his teachings while respecting modern circumstances as a way to advance the temple forward. He hosts workshops at a variety of places within the states and in Japan to educate the public on Buddhist rituals.
Reverend Daiki Toho (Full-Time Minister) 
Reverend Toho offers a different perspective compared to Reverend Kojima. Rev Toho was born in Aichi prefecture, Japan. While he grew up going to his home temple, he also found interest in playing football and working as a physical therapist. He first came to California to play football before returning back to Japan to work. A couple decades later, Rev Toho found way back to California to work at Zenshuji.
COVID-19 at Zenshuji
Because of COVID restraints, Zenshuji has been cautious about in-person visits. While classes and activities are still scheduled in-person if planned in advance, Zenshuji now offers virtual opportunities in an effort to keep its leaders and community safe. Educational lectures and monthly services can be seen on Facebook live, absent of fees and open for public viewing during and after the event takes place. For people coming into Zenshuji, face coverings and social distancing requirements are in place. The temple also offers Hannaya Shingyo (Heart Sutra) masks for sale. These masks were blessed at the Tendoku Daihannya prayer service for the early containment of COVID-19.
References
https://asiasociety.org/education/buddhism-japan
http://www.laalmanac.com/religion/re15.php
http://www.cuke.com/Crooked%20Cucumber/cc%20excerpts/CC%20excerpts%20Maezumi%20.html