Cosmopolitan Zen is an inclusive approach to Zen that transcends cultural and institutional boundaries. Its name comes from the etymology of the word cosmopolitan, which means “citizen of the world.” Cosmopolitan Zen offers a dynamic practice not confined to monastic settings or rigid traditions. Instead, it is an adaptable approach capable of flourishing in diverse contemporary contexts.

Cosmopolitan Zen integrates historical Buddhist teachings with modern understandings of emotional intelligence and developmental psychology by embracing multiple Zen lineage practices, psychological insights, and evolving pedagogical methods. It acknowledges that Buddhism adapted to the culturally diverse environments throughout its 25-century history to meet the needs of contemporary cultures. Thus, Cosmopolitan Zen is the Zen of 21st-century America rather than that of 16th-century Japan or the Chan of 9th-century China.

At its core, this approach honors the Rinzai lineage through the leadership of

Jun Po Denis Kelly Roshi, whose innovation included transforming the monastic Rinzai practice of koan dialogue into a 21st Century reciprocal engagement that recognizes that emotional reactivity offers an opportunity for deep transformation and meaningful compassion. Seeking to extend Jun Po Roshi’s dharma by fostering inclusivity, Cosmopolitan Zen cultivates an open, evolving, interpenetrative path of awakening that honors our roots while more closely responding to the needs of contemporary individuals in an effort to foster a collective dedicated to the Mahayana vows that are the essence of Zen.