“By emptying ourselves we become one with objects, deeply absorbed in our work.”
To train in the craft of woodworking is to submit yourself to the material and the tool and be taught by nature, outside yourself. Uniting focus of the mind with attention to the body and physical dexterity put one in a position to both create good work and receive the subtle lessons delivered by the process. For many, myself included, the act of "doing the work" is itself a practice so similar with a meditative state. Where are you? There is only the material and the working of it.
Join us for a unique experience melding the practice of Zen and Japanese Woodworking, training your whole self for two intensive weeks at Daihonzan Chozen-ji, a Rinzai Zen temple and martial arts dojo, in beautiful Honolulu, Hawaii. Students will participate in a rigorous program of Zen meditation, woodworking training and enriching recreational activities while enjoying nourishing, healthy meals. The first week will focus on the fundamentals of Japanese Woodworking: sharpening, chisel set-up, sawing, and hand plane use. The second week will put all these skills to work cutting and assembling a small timber-frame structure for use as a small pottery enclave.
The residence at which we will assemble the timberframe.
About the Timber Frame
For this timber frame project we have partnered with Brian Lam of Paklan who has graciously offered his home as the site of the build. . The structure we will build will be a small enclosure to house an outdoor pottery studio. The design features traditional mortise and tenon joinery, as well as a natural curved beam. Students will learn to cut the joinery, hand finish the timbers, assemble, align and square the frame and peg the assembly together. With luck we will install the roof rafters and roof system to complete the building.
About the Temple
Since its establishment in 1972, Chozen-ji has been a place for individuals to discover their True Selves and make a profound impact on Hawaiʻi and beyond. As the only Daihonzan, or central temple, outside Japan, Chozen-ji is rooted in Zen training centered in the body—emphasizing breath, posture, and cultivating a bold fighting spirit. In Hawaiʻi, Chozen-ji serves as a monastery for those dedicated to deep spiritual training, a community temple where lay people engage in Rinzai Zen training, and a gathering place where members of Hawaiʻi’s diverse population put their training into action.
Additional Enrichment Activities
During the training, students may experience the raw nature of the Kalihi Valley rainforest or participate in additional Zen arts including calligraphy, Japanese tea ceremony, martial arts and Zen chanting.
Topics Covered
Setting up and sharpening a new Japanese chisel
Basic handsaw instruction
Setting up and sharpening a small Japanese hand plane
Understanding basic layout marks and the principles of cutting joinery
Mortise and tenon practice time trials
General design philosophy and layout of the Japanese timber frame structure
Team assembly and raising of the structure
Process of adjusting, squaring, and fixing the structural members.
Optional hand plane finishing certain parts of the frame
Optional installation of roofing system
Included with Tuition
Room and Board Included - This twelve day workshop includes nutritious meals and residence at the temple.
Prerequisites
To gain the maximum value from this workshop, it is recommend you have some woodworking experience. Please inquire if you are a beginner so we can plan accordingly.
Required Tools
This workshop encompases a broad range of woodworkings skills and techniques. The following tools should be considered a minimum to participate fully, however you should feel comfortable bringing your normal set of tools if you have experience with timber framing.
Sharpening supplies: 1000 Grit Water Stone, 6000 Grit Water Stone, Diamond Flattening Plate
15mm, 18mm, and/or 24mm Japanese Chisel (Chu Tataki or Tataki prefered)
Ryoba Saw 270mm or 300mm
Japanese Hammer
Sashigane / Square
New Japanese Hand Plane
Pens/Pencils
Optional Tools
Wider Chisel (30+mm)
Side Cutter Planes (Kiwa ganna)
Nail Set
Impact Driver
Circular Saw
Auger bits (Star-m or Wood owl) 15mm, 18mm, 20mm
Large mallet “commander”
Tool belt
String Line
Marking Gauge
Typical Daily Schedule
5:00 Rise
5:30 Zazen (Sitting Meditation)
6:15 Okyo (Chanting)
6:45 Breakfast & Cleanup
7:30 Woodworking Lesson and Demonstration
12:00 Lunch & Cleanup
12:30 Woodworking Practice
15:00 Free time/rest/bath
17:00 Dinner
18:00 Optional Zazen
18:45 Evening Training Time
21:00 Day Recap/Talk story
22:00 Bedtime
Registration
Pricing and the application are available on Chozen-ji’s Website. If you are interested in purchasing tools prior to the workshop please contact us. Availability is limited, act fast to secure your spot!
Please kindly review our class and workshop policies at the link below:
For events lasting more than day we offer rustic camping on the property:
For recommended tools for this class and your woodworking career: