Workshop

Heart Sutra Recitation in Two Traditions

7PM - 8:30PM, Wednesday, April 22, 2026
Murasaki Hall at The Japan Foundation, Los Angeles
(5700 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 100, Los Angeles, CA 90036)

Admission FREE
Please register HERE

Join Reverend Shumyo Kojima of Zenshuji Soto Mission (Little Tokyo) and the Venerable Hui Ze Shih of Fo Guang Shan Hsi Lai Temple (Hacienda Heights) as they introduce, discuss, and instruct participants in the practice of sutra recitation focused on the popular Heart Sutra.

The Heart Sutra is an essential text in Buddhism. It uses the voice of the Bodhisattva of Compassion Avalokitesvara (J: Kannon, C: Guanyin) to explain that a perfect understanding of the Dharma does not rely on formulaic concepts. The conciseness of the Heart Sutra makes it one of the most popular sutras for chanting. 

During this workshop, participants will learn the nuances of the Japanese Soto Zen and Taiwanese Linji Chan traditions and their respective approaches to the Heart Sutra and its recitation.

Rev. Shumyo Kojima, Soto Zen (Zenshuji in Little Tokyo)

Rev. Shumyo Kojima is a Soto Zen monk, a head priest of Zenshuji Buddhist Temple which is the oldest Soto Zen Temple in North America. Rev. Kojima grew up as a disciple of his father in their family temple in Saga prefecture, Japan. Upon graduating from Komazawa University where he studied Buddhist history and philosophy, he entered the Soto Institute for Buddhist Studies, education department. As a researcher from the institute of Soto Education Studies, he embarked to the U.S. to research American Zen, and temporarily join the staff at Zenshuji Buddhist Temple in Los Angeles, 1993. After he had practiced at Eiheiji Monastery, he returned to Zenshuji to become a full time minister where he has remained for 30 years.

[Website] Zenshuji Soto Mission

Ven. Hui Ze Shih, Linji Chan (Hsi Lai Temple in Hacienda Heights)

[Website] Fo Guang Shan Hsi Lai Temple

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